Textron Specialized Vehicles president Holleran replaced by Ernest
Textron Inc. this month 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., replacing Kevin Holleran.
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 Holleran in leading the Textron Specialized Vehicles portfolio of businesses that includes 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, Ernest will also oversee the Kautex business which produces automotive fuel systems and functional components.
Holleran, a 15-year veteran of Textron, departs Textron Specialized Vehicles to embark on the next stage of his career. In recent years, he 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, “Scott Ernest begins his leadership of Textron Specialized Vehicles at a time when his experience will be especially valuable. 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 U.S. 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.
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.
