Textron Aviation, Bell Leadership Teams Reshape

Textron has shifted its senior leadership teams in its aviation units, including moving Michael Thacker to Bell Helicopter and transitioning Brad Thress and Kryia Shortt into new roles at Textron Aviation. The changes are part of the company's decision to “meet our business objectives for 2017, and bolster the strength of Textron in support of larger enterprise priorities,” a company spokeswoman told AIN.

Thacker, who had been senior v-p of engineering at Textron Aviation, joins Bell as executive v-p of technology and innovation. The move to the helicopter division follows a 24-year career with Textron Aviation/Cessna Aircraft. In his new role, he will lead Bell’s product development.

Thress, meanwhile, takes the role of senior v-p of engineering for Textron Aviation. A 25-year Textron Aviation veteran, he most recently was senior v-p of customer service. During his tenure, Thress also has held leadership positions within the marketing and flight operations organizations.

Shortt, who had been senior v-p of sales and marketing at Textron Aviation, succeeds Thress as senior v-p of customer service. Shortt began her career with Textron Aviation in the customer service organization. She moved into sales and marketing in 2003 and became senior v-p in 2014.

Rob Scholl was promoted to fill the senior v-p of sales and marketing position. He has served as vice president of parts and programs within the customer service organization, vice president of marketing and regional vice president of sales. He also has held leadership roles at parent company Textron and affiliate Kautex.