Kenton Brough is a distinguished leader in manufacturing and operations, with over two decades of expertise spanning multiple industries. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kenton has cultivated a reputation for delivering innovative solutions, optimizing processes, and driving business success in high-stakes environments. His career reflects a deep commitment to continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and the development of high-performing teams.
Currently serving as Head of Production/Deputy COO at Stadler US, Kenton oversees planning, logistics, and production for state-of-the-art train cars for the North American market. Since assuming the role in January 2023, he has inspired his team to achieve operational excellence while meeting stringent timelines and budgets, reflecting his dedication to fostering collaboration and excellence at every level. During his tenure the company has seen explosive grown requiring significant changes to processes and culture to keep up with the explosive growth.
Prior to joining Stadler, Kenton served as Manager of Technical Program Managers at Tesla, where he played a pivotal role in launching critical initiatives across global production sites. He spearheaded the construction and ramp-up of drive unit production at Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin, deftly coordinating cross-functional teams and resolving complex challenges to meet aggressive timelines. Under his leadership, his team successfully managed capital projects such as the fully automated battery module line for Model 3 and Model Y and v3 solar glass production ramp, both instrumental in Tesla’s strategic growth and profitability. He also participated in leading programs like the launch of the drive unit for Tesla Semi and Model S plaid drive unit launch.
Kenton’s tenure at Becton Dickinson (BD) further highlights his expertise in large-scale engineering and operational management. Over 15 years, he rose from Manufacturing Engineer to Worldwide Business Process Manager, implementing transformative cost-reduction strategies, streamlining processes, and mentoring multidisciplinary teams. Notably, he led efforts to reduce costs of a flagship product by 45% and introduced a project management program that improved on-time project completion by 17% across the site.
Kenton’s career began with roles as a Safety Engineer at Moxtek and a Chemist at Deseret Chemical Depot, where he honed his analytical skills and laid the foundation for his future in manufacturing innovation. A lifelong learner, Kenton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Utah. He has also pursued extensive training in Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, and leadership development, enabling him to effectively bridge technical acumen with strategic vision.
A dynamic problem solver and collaborative leader, Kenton is passionate about cultivating environments where innovation thrives and operational efficiencies are maximized. His ability to align technical expertise with business strategy positions him as a transformative figure in the manufacturing and operations landscape.
Character
Kenton Brough exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a commitment to fostering teamwork, consistently driving success through a strong ethical foundation and collaborative leadership.
Knowledge
With a robust foundation in chemical engineering and an MBA, Kenton Brough brings a wealth of expertise in manufacturing innovation, lean processes, and global operational strategies.
Strategic
Kenton Brough is adept at aligning technical operations with business objectives, leveraging his ability to plan and execute complex projects to drive long-term organizational growth.
Communication
Kenton Brough is a skilled communicator who effectively conveys technical and strategic insights to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and alignment across teams and stakeholders.
