Textron today named long-time company executive Kriya Shortt to head its eAviation division as president and CEO, effective August 31. Shortt is succeeding company veteran Rob Scholl, who is moving over to lead Textron Specialized Vehicles—which includes brands such as E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Jacobsen, and Cushman—as president and CEO.
Currently senior v-p of global parts and distribution at Textron Aviation, Shortt has spent 27 years with the Wichita airframer, also holding the roles of president at Able Aerospace and McCauley Propeller and as senior v-p of customer service, as well as international sales.
Scholl has led Textron’s eAviation group since it was established as an individual business segment in 2022, drawing on advanced air mobility and future technology activities from around the company. He has held several senior leadership positions at Textron Aviation, including as senior v-p of global sales and flight operations and v-p of parts and programs, as well as marketing.
Under Scholl’s stewardship, eAviation has folded electric-aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel into the group and has refocused efforts on an advanced air mobility aircraft dubbed Nexus.
Both Shortt and Scholl report directly to Textron chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. “Rob and Kriya have served as outstanding leaders at our respective businesses and I am confident they will continue to drive success in their new roles,” Donnelly said.