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Textron Aviation Begins Brian Rohloff CEO Era as 29-Year Company Veteran Takes Control of Cessna and Beechcraft

Wed, Sep 02, 2026

Textron Aviation Begins Brian Rohloff CEO Era as 29-Year Company Veteran Takes Control of Cessna and Beechcraft

Brian Rohloff officially began his tenure as president and CEO of Textron Aviation on August 31, taking responsibility for the manufacturer behind Cessna and Beechcraft after 29 years with the company. Rohloff succeeds Ron Draper, who is retiring after eight years leading Textron Aviation and will remain through year-end as a senior advisor supporting the transition.

Rohloff most recently led Textron Aviation’s global customer-support organization and previously held responsibilities spanning manufacturing, parts, sales and finance. His promotion gives the company an internal successor with extensive exposure to both aircraft production and the aftermarket organization supporting customers worldwide. The leadership change comes as Textron Aviation advances products including the Citation business jet family and Beechcraft turboprops while continuing major aftermarket investments. Rohloff’s first day therefore marks the operational start of a leadership transition that could shape product, customer-support and manufacturing priorities across one of business aviation’s largest OEMs.

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