Cessna gets new CEO/President

Cessna parent company Textron has named Scott A. Ernest as the new president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company.

Textron hasn’t wasted any time in finding a replacement for former Cessna president, chairman and CEO Jack Pelton who, as we previously reported here, suddenly announced his retirement from the position on May 2.

CAPTION: New Cessna President and CEO Scott A. Ernest. (GE Aviation)

While he doesn’t come from a General Aviation background, Ernest joins Textron as a 29-year veteran of General Electric Company, where he most recently served as vice president and general manager, global supply chain for GE Aviation, a US$16 billion leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft.

Ernest’s career at GE Aviation also includes several general manager roles ranging from overseeing its sourcing organisation to responsibility for its North American operations and large aviation services businesses located in Singapore and Strother, Kansas.

“Scott is a talented global business leader who has strong expertise in the aviation industry,” Textron Chairman and CEO, Scott C. Donnelly, said. “Accelerating Cessna’s new product and service development, strengthening its manufacturing and sourcing operations, and intensifying its global expansion efforts are key to moving Cessna forward.

“Scott brings an extensive track record of success in these areas along with a reputation as an outstanding leader. I am confident that he is the ideal person to position Cessna for growth as the business jet market gains momentum.”

Ernest holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron and a Master of Science degree in engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

While labelled a ‘retirement’ move, it’s been speculated that Pelton’s shock departure from the tob job at Cessna, which he had held since 2003, was a swift move by Textron after Cessna posted sizeable first quarter losses – which to an extent was inevitable given the still struggling business jet market.