Textron Aviation

As SVP & CIO at Textron Aviation, I lead enterprise-wide digital transformation by aligning technology strategy with long-term business growth and governance priorities. My team drives innovation across global operations, customer experience, and product development — leveraging AI, automation, and advanced analytics to streamline workflows, elevate decision-making, and unlock scalable efficiencies. By embedding machine learning and data-driven intelligence into our core platforms, we accelerate innovation, strengthen resilience, and deliver smarter, more connected aviation experiences. This work reflects our commitment to operational excellence, cybersecurity, and continuous improvement — while ensuring digital initiatives support risk management, stakeholder alignment, and enterprise value creation.

Ron Draper is president and CEO for Textron Aviation Inc., the leading general aviation authority and home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for greater than half of all general aviation aircraft flying worldwide.