Scott Ernest, a veteran of GE Aviation, has been named president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft by parent company Textron. Ernest replaces former Cessna Chairman and CEO Jack Pelton, who retired only weeks ago.
Ernest faces an extremely tough bizjet market that, despite recent hopeful signs, remains mired in a three-year slump. Single-engine business, likewise, has suffered greatly from the global economic downturn, though there have been hopeful signs in this market for Cessna of late, as well.
Ernest brings to the job some solid aviation credentials though little GA experience.
At GE Ernest was vice president and general manager of the supply chain for GE Aviation, a position he had held for nearly 8 years.
Textron president and CEO Scott Donnelly is also a GE Aviation alum.
Donnelly sees Ernest as being the perfect fit for Cessna, where the new CEO would improve production and global marketing. “Scott is a talented global business leader who has strong expertise in the aviation industry,” said Donnelly. “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. Scott brings an extensive track record of success in these areas along with a reputation as an outstanding leader. I am confident that he is the ideal person to position Cessna for growth as the business jet market gains momentum.”
Ernest graduated from Akron University with a degree in mechanical engineering and the University of Cincinnati with a Masters in Engineering. According to Textron, Ernest is not yet a pilot.
Ernest will start in the position immediately.
