Russell W.
Meyer Jr., an American aviation executive who led the Cessna Aircraft Company for three decades and later served as president of Textron’s Aviation Sector, died on March 5, 2026. Meyer transformed American Aviation Corporation into Grumman American before becoming chairman and chief executive of Cessna.
His work included expanding the Grumman American line of light aircraft, enlarging Cessna’s Citation business jet line, and helping salvage Bell Helicopter’s V-22 Osprey program. He also chaired the General Aviation Manufacturers Association for three terms and served on presidential national aviation commissions.
Russell W. Meyer Jr. (July 19, 1932 – March 4, 2026) was an American aviation executive who, after transforming American Aviation Corporation into Grumman American, became the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Cessna Aircraft Company, leading it for three decades. Meyer eventually rose to president of the parent company, Textron’s, Aviation Sector (including Bell Helicopter and Lycoming Engines). His work included expanding the Grumman American line of light aircraft, radically expanding the Cessna Citation line of business jets to the world’s largest and fastest, and salvaging Bell Helicopter’s floundering V-22 Osprey program.