We are saddened by the passing of Russell W. “Russ” Meyer Jr., a leader whose influence on general aviation cannot be overstated. Russ was the longtime chairman & CEO and chairman emeritus of Cessna Aircraft Company.
“The Textron team lost a legend this week,” said Lisa Atherton, the president & CEO of Textron. “It is a rare life that has such an impact on an industry, a community and an organization. I know that when we use the phrase ‘we stand on the shoulders of giants,’ it refers to men like Russ. My sincere condolences to his family, his friends and our Aviation team.”
Russ led Cessna for nearly three decades. He was elected chairman & CEO in 1975, stepping aside as chairman in 2003 but remaining as chairman emeritus. During his tenure, Cessna developed the Citation family of business jets, and Russ became known among aviation journalists and owners as the “father of the Citation line.” Those who worked with him remember not just what he built, but how he led the company with integrity, humility and deep respect for others.
Combining vision with steady, principled leadership, Russ helped shape the Citation family and guided the industry through pivotal moments in U.S. general aviation manufacturing.
Textron CFO David Rosenberg said Russ was instrumental in the Citation family becoming the industry leader and in the revival of the American piston aircraft industry in the 1990s. “Every flight department knew when you bought a Citation you were buying a sure thing and that reputation began under Russ Meyer’s leadership. His boundless energy for our products was inspiration to many of us.”
His legacy is one of innovation grounded in care for others, and of leadership rooted in service. Across Textron, we honor Russ not only for the lasting impact he had on our businesses and our industry, but for the example he set of what purposeful leadership truly looks like.
Read more about the incredible life and career of Russ Meyer.