Cessna Aircraft CEO, Chairman and President Jack J. Pelton has announced his retirement.
Pelton joined Cessna in November 2000 as senior vice president, Product Engineering and oversaw Cessna’s engineering and product development activities, including new aircraft development, design, experimental and production test flight, certifications and product improvements for all Cessna models. He was named President and CEO in 2003 and Chairman in 2005.
In September 2009 Pelton became the first head of the iconic GA aircraft manufacturer to visit Australia when local Cessna representative Aeromil Pacific bought him out as the guest speaker at the annual Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) Convention on the Sunshine Coast. While here Pelton also toured Aeromil’s facilities, including the Cessna Store in the bustling middle of Sydney, where he was exclusively interviewed by Australian Flying Editor Justin Grey.
Commenting on Pelton’s departure, which was effective as of May 2, Scott C. Donnelly, Chairman and CEO of Cessna parent company Textron, said, “Under Jack’s leadership, Cessna achieved many significant program and product milestones and strengthened its position as a thought leader in the aviation industry. We appreciate Jack’s efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
A search for Pelton’s successor is currently underway, and until his replacement is named Donnelly will run the business.
To read our exclusive interview with Pelton from late 2009 click here.
CAPTION: Cessna boss Jack Pelton in Aeromil Pacific's Cessna Store in Sydney in late 2009.