Cessna Names New CEO

May 31, 2011 — Scott A. Ernest, vice president and general manager of global services operations for GE Aviation, was named as the new president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company today by Textron CEO Scott Donnelly. Ernest is a 29-year veteran of GE Aviation whose global services operation accounted for $6 billion of the company’s $16 billion revenue. He replaces Jack Pelton, who announced his retirement earlier this month after eight years as president and CEO.

“Scott is a talented global business leader who has strong expertise in the aviation industry,” Donnelly said in a written announcement to Cessna employees. “He has an extensive track record of success in new product and service development, manufacturing and sourcing operations, and global expansion - all areas that are key to moving Cessna forward.”

Ernest previously served in several general manager roles at GE Aviation, ranging from overseeing its sourcing organization to responsibility for its North American operations and large aviation services businesses located in Singapore and Strother, Kansas. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron and earned his master’s in engineering from the University of Cincinnati. 

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