01 JunCessna names GE vet new CEO
Cessna Aircraft Co. has named General Electric Company veteran Scott Ernest as CEO.
Ernest assumes the role after Jack Pelton left May 2 of this year. He will report to Textron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Donnelly.
“Scott is a talented global business leader who has strong expertise in the aviation industry,” said Donnelly in a press release.
“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,” Donnelly continued.
He says Ernest has an extensive track record of success in those areas, as well as the reputation of being an outstanding leader.
Ernest is a 29-year veteran of GE. Most recently, he served as that company’s vice president and general manager, global supply chain for GE Aviation. Before that, Ernest was vice president and general manager, global services operations for GE Aviation’s services business.
While at GE Aviation, he also filled several general manager roles, everything from overseeing sourcing organization to responsibility for large aviation services in Singapore, Strother, Kan. as well as other tasks.
Donnelly affirmed his confidence that Ernest is right for the job, saying that he is the ideal person to position Cessna for growth as the business jet market gains back momentum.
According to Providence Business News, Cessna’s operating losses widened to $38 million in the first three months of the year, as orders rose at a slower pace than parent company Textron- which is based in Providence- expected. Nonetheless, Donnelly told reporters he does see a pickup.
Ernest takes over the role from Donnelly who had been filling in during the interim since Pelton’s departure.
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen commented on the appointment in a press release.
“Cessna has always been a leader in general aviation and a company known for its grasp of challenges and opportunities in the marketplace and the policy arena,” he said.
“Scott Ernest’s background in aviation and his experience in the global business environment suit him well for his new role as Cessna president and CEO.”
Bolen said the NBAA is looking forward to working with Ernest on issues facing the GA community.
Cessna is the world’s leading general aviation company, based on unit sales, with five major lines of business. The company is headquartered in Wichita, Kan.
Related posts:
