Brian Rohloff has begun his tenure as president and CEO of Textron Aviation, taking over the Wichita-based manufacturer of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft on 31 August.
Rohloff brings 29 years of experience across the company, most recently leading its global customer support organisation, with earlier roles spanning manufacturing, parts, sales and finance. Among his formative assignments was helping start the Citation CJ4 production line in 2009.
He succeeds Ron Draper, who is retiring after eight years leading Textron Aviation and more than 27 years with Textron Inc. Draper will remain as a senior adviser through the end of 2026 to support the transition.
"The future of Textron Aviation is incredibly strong," Rohloff said. "We have the best people in the industry. It is their craftsmanship, innovation and commitment to customers that have built the Beechcraft and Cessna brands into what they are today, and that same dedication continues to set us apart."
Rohloff's connection to the company began early: he grew up just east of Textron Aviation's east campus in Wichita, where he remembers waking to the sound of Beechcraft engine run-ups.
"I want people to know they can expect me to be accessible, engaged and committed to listening," he said. "Our success has always started with great people, strong customer relationships and a dedication to doing things the right way."
Textron Aviation's portfolio spans business jets, turboprops and pistons across the Beechcraft, Cessna, Hawker and Pipistrel brands, with the company's workforce having produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide.