28 August 2026

After Eight Years as President and CEO, Ron Draper Announces Retirement; Brian Rohloff to Lead Textron Aviation Forward

Ron Draper will retire as president and CEO of Textron Aviation, with Brian Rohloff appointed to the role from 31 August 2026. Draper will remain as senior adviser through year-end.

Of Interest
Outgoing President and CEO: Ron Draper
Tenure in Role: Eight years
Incoming President and CEO: Brian Rohloff
Effective Date: 31 August 2026
Transition Arrangement: Ron Draper remains as senior adviser through the end of 2026
Rohloff’s Experience: Nearly 30 years across manufacturing, quality, sales and customer support

Textron Aviation can confirm that Ron Draper has announced his retirement from his role of president and CEO. Following a thoughtful succession process, Brian Rohloff has been named president and CEO of Textron Aviation, effective Monday, 31 August 2026. Ron Draper will remain with the company through the end of the year as a senior adviser to support a seamless leadership transition.

Ron Draper, who will retire after eight years as president and CEO of Textron Aviation. [© Textron Aviation]

“Serving as president and CEO of Textron Aviation has been the greatest honour of my career. What I will be most proud of is the incredible people who make this company what it is every day. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated successes and continued advancing aviation while staying true to our commitment to our customers, communities and each other.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team, and I have tremendous confidence in Brian and the future of Textron Aviation.”

Ron Draper, President & CEO, Textron Aviation

Textron Aviation enters this leadership transition from a position of strength, built on the dedication of its employees, trusted customer relationships, industry-leading products and a longstanding commitment to innovation. During his tenure, Draper helped strengthen the company’s global leadership position, advance its product portfolio, invest in its people and culture and guide the business through significant industry opportunities and challenges.

Brian Rohloff, who will become president and CEO of Textron Aviation on 31 August 2026. [© Textron Aviation]

With nearly 30 years of experience across manufacturing, quality, sales and customer support, Brian Rohloff brings deep knowledge of the business, customers and workforce. His appointment reflects a deliberate succession plan designed to ensure continuity while positioning Textron Aviation to continue advancing aviation through customer-focused innovation, operational excellence and a commitment to earning trust through performance.

Textron Aviation remains focused on serving customers, supporting employees, honouring its commitments and building on a strong foundation as it approaches its next century of leadership in aviation.