Providence, R.I.-- Textron Inc. announced that Scott Ernest, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Inc. since 2011, has been named president and CEO of Textron’s Industrial Segment and of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. Ronald Draper, Textron Aviation’s senior vice president, integrated supply chain (Operations), has been named to succeed Scott Ernest as president and CEO of Textron Aviation Inc.
Ernest succeeds Kevin Holleran in leading the Textron Specialized Vehicles portfolio of businesses that includes powerful brands such as E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Off Road, Jacobsen, Cushman, and Textron Ground Support Equipment. In his role as president and CEO of the Industrial Segment, he will also oversee the Kautex business which produces automotive fuel systems and functional components.
Draper has led all aspects of manufacturing operations for Textron Aviation since 2012, including strategic sourcing, quality, support services and aftermarket parts, as well as overseeing the manufacturing operations for the Beechcraft and Cessna product lines. Since joining Textron in 1999, he has held various leadership roles in business units throughout Textron, including vice president of integrated supply chain and director of strategic sourcing for E-Z-GO, director of procurement for the V-22 program at Bell Helicopter and director of supply chain production development at Cessna. Before joining Textron, he was a Captain in the United States Army serving in the Aviation branch as a helicopter pilot and company commander. Draper has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned a MBA from Wichita State University.
Holleran, a 15-year veteran of Textron, departs Textron Specialized Vehicles to embark on the next stage of his career. In recent years, Holleran has guided TSV through a challenging period of growth, encompassing the acquisitions of Arctic Cat, TUG and other ground support equipment businesses, plus integration of Jacobsen into the company’s Augusta manufacturing plants.
Commenting on the leadership transition, Textron chairman and CEO Scott C. Donnelly said, “Ron Draper has a great depth of knowledge about the worldwide aviation business and has led several of Textron Aviation’s most impactful strategic initiatives. He has driven solid gains for the business in recent years, including the successful integration of our Beechcraft and Cessna operations, expansion of our quality management systems and global sourcing strategies. I am confident he is the right choice for leading Textron Aviation through its next phases of product development and growth.”
“Scott Ernest begins his leadership of Textron Specialized Vehicles at a time when his experience will be especially valuable,” added Donnelly. “The business continues to expand its product line and build out its dealer network, which is vital for our plans to grow sales in the US and internationally. Scott brings an extensive track record of success in taking businesses to the next level—something he did very well at Textron Aviation, and I’m confident he will do at Textron Specialized Vehicles.”
“For 15 years, Textron has been strengthened by Kevin Holleran’s countless contributions to Textron Specialized vehicles and the numerous brands within the business. I thank him for his contributions as he moves forward to new opportunities,” added Donnelly.
