PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Defense contractor Textron Inc. announced Tuesday that Scott Ernest has been named president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Co., its general aviation business. He succeeds Jack Pelton, who is retiring.
Ernest will report to Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly, the company said in a news release.
Ernest is a 29-year veteran of General Electric Co., most recently as vice president and general manager of global supply chain for GE Aviation.
In addition to Cessna, Textron run defense, industrial and finance businesses.
Shares of Providence-based Textron, whose brands also include Bell Helicopter and Lycoming engines, rose 41 cents, or 1.8 percent, to end trading Tuesday at $22.88.
