GE Aviation executive Scott A. Ernest has been appointed president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft, Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly announced to Cessna employees May 31.
A 29-year veteran of GE, Ernest most recently served as vice president and general manager, supply chain, for GE Aviation, and has served a variety of general manager roles for the company, Donnelly said. His appointment is effective immediately. Donnelly had temporarily taken the reins since Cessna’s former president, chairman, and CEO Jack Pelton’s sudden retirement May 2.
“Scott is a talented global business leader who has strong expertise in the aviation industry,” Donnelly wrote. “He has an extensive track record of success in new product and service development, manufacturing and sourcing operations, and global expansion—all areas that are key to moving Cessna forward.”
Ernest joined GE Aviation in 1984 after participating in GE’s Manufacturing Leadership Program in Pittsfield, Mass., the GE website said. He has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a master’s in engineering.
“We at AOPA look forward to working with Scott Ernest in his new role as president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft,” said AOPA President Craig Fuller. “Cessna has long been a leader in the general aviation manufacturing community, and I am confident we will have many opportunities to collaborate as we address the challenges and seize the opportunities facing general aviation today and into the future.”
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