Brian Rohloff assumed the role of president and CEO at Textron Aviation at the end of summer. Rohloff most recently served as the leader of the company’s broad global customer support organization, with additional roles that span manufacturing, parts, sales and finance, giving him a broad perspective on the people, products and customer relationships that define Textron Aviation. The company says his experience across the business has helped shape his understanding of how decisions made throughout the company affect the employees who build and support its products and the customers who depend on them.
Rohloff’s connection to the company’s aviation heritage began long before his career. He grew up just east of Textron Aviation’s east campus in Wichita, and has said he remembers waking to the sound of Beechcraft aircraft engine run-ups from the nearby campus. He later joined Cessna Aircraft Company and went on to work alongside teams responsible for building, delivering and supporting aircraft around the world.
“The future of Textron Aviation is incredibly strong,” Rohloff said. “We have the best people in the industry. It is their craftsmanship, innovation and commitment to customers that have built the Beechcraft and Cessna brands into what they are today, and that same dedication continues to set us apart.”
Rohloff’s career has taken him from finance and manufacturing leadership to sales and global customer support, giving him experience across the lifecycle of the company’s products and customer relationships. Among his formative assignments was helping start the Citation CJ4 production line in 2009, a role he says deepened his appreciation for the expertise required to bring an aircraft from the production line to the customer.
“As a leader, I strive to be connected, curious and accountable,” Rohloff said. “Accountability starts with me and making sure I deliver what I say I am going to deliver. When we understand the mission and what is expected of us, we can deliver greater value to our customers.”
As he begins his tenure, Rohloff says his immediate focus is staying connected to the people closest to the work and the customers who rely on Textron Aviation and its Cessna and Beechcraft brands.
“I want people to know they can expect me to be accessible, engaged and committed to listening,” Rohloff said. “Our success has always started with great people, strong customer relationships and a dedication to doing things the right way. Those principles will continue to guide me as we build on the company’s strong foundation together.”