Textron Aviation Appoints New CEO Ahead of Planned Restructuring

Brian Rohloff will succeed Ron Draper, who announced his retirement, as company’s chief executive.

Jack Daleo

Monday, August 24, 2026 at 02:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Brian Rohloff (pictured) is expected to assume leadership of Textron Aviation on August 31, replacing Ron Draper. [Credit: Textron Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Textron Aviation has appointed Brian Rohloff as its new president and CEO, effective August 31, succeeding the retiring Ron Draper.
This leadership change is part of Textron's broader strategic plan to restructure and spin off its industrial segment, becoming a "pure-play aerospace and defense company."
Rohloff, a nearly 30-year company veteran, will lead Textron Aviation through this transformation and the upcoming commercialization of several new aircraft models, including next-generation Citation jets and the Beechcraft Denali.

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Textron Aviation is shaking up its leadership ahead of its parent company’s planned restructuring of its businesses.

Textron on Monday said it appointed Brian Rohloff as president and CEO of Textron Aviation, which confirmed that Rohloff’s predecessor, Ron Draper, plans to retire. The leadership change is expected to take effect August 31, putting Rohloff in charge of marquee general aviation brands, including Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, and Lycoming.