Brian Rohloff, a 29-year Textron Aviation veteran and Wichita State University graduate, will take over as president and CEO of one of Wichita's largest private employers on Aug. 31, succeeding Ron Draper, who is retiring after eight years leading the Cessna and Beechcraft parent company.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) announced the leadership change on Aug. 23. Draper, who spent more than 27 years with Textron overall, will stay on as a senior advisor through the end of 2026 to support the transition.

The move matters locally. Textron Aviation employs approximately 10,000 people in Wichita, according to the Greater Wichita Partnership and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's office, making it one of the city's top private employers. The company is headquartered at 2121 S. Hoover Road.

Lisa Atherton, president and CEO of parent company Textron Inc., called Rohloff "a proven leader who brings a deep understanding of our business, our products, our customers and our industry."

"Throughout his 29-year career with Textron Aviation, Brian has demonstrated strong leadership across multiple functions and has built trusted relationships with employees, customers and suppliers …" Atherton said in the announcement.

Rohloff most recently held a senior leadership role in customer support, according to Aviation Week. He has also led teams in manufacturing, quality and supply chain during his nearly three decades with the company.

Draper, in a company statement, said leading Textron Aviation was "the greatest honor of my career" and expressed confidence in his successor.

"I have tremendous confidence in Brian and the future of Textron Aviation," Draper said.

During Draper's tenure, the company invested more than $40 million in a Career and Learning Center on its East Wichita campus, which opened in April 2025 as a training hub for its local workforce. At that facility's grand opening, Draper called recruiting and training a "world-class workforce" vital to the company's ability to serve customers.

The company described the succession as a deliberate internal process aimed at continuity.

Rohloff officially takes the helm Aug. 31. Draper's advisory role runs through Dec. 31.