Russ Meyer III Moves Across The Street

No doubt, the name "Meyer" will forever have a place in Cessna folklore... most notably in the person of Russ Meyer Jr, Chairman Emeritus of Cessna who oversaw the Wichita-based planemaker's ascent into the ranks of elite business jet manufacturers. His son, Russ III, continued that legacy, most recently as program manager for Cessna's Citation Mustang light jet.

Effective March 3, however, the younger Meyer will call a new company his home... and though the address on his business card will change, the zip code will remain the same.

Meyer will soon join crosstown rival Hawker Beechcraft Corporation as director of new product development. In his new role, he will be responsible for a number of new product development programs, including the management of risk sharing partners.

"If you would have told me six months ago that I was leaving Cessna, I would have said, 'You're crazy,'" Meyer told The Wichita Eagle. "I was not looking for a change."

The planemaker tells ANN Meyer (shown below) will play a critical role in helping the company sustain its momentum in the general-aviation market, as Hawker Beechcraft works to build and deliver the most advanced product lineups around.

"Russ has demonstrated exemplary leadership and product development program skills and we are very excited to have him on our team," said Randy Nelson, Hawker Beechcraft senior vice president, product development and engineering. "His rich experience and knowledge of the industry will help Hawker Beechcraft continue to deliver innovative new products to our many valued customers worldwide."

Meyer spent the last 13 years at Cessna, in a number of leadership roles with increasing responsibility. He also worked in aircraft sales and as Eastern division sales manager, where he managed the single engine piston aircraft sales and Cessna Pilot Center programs in the eastern United States and Canada.

Prior to Cessna, Meyer spent two years as a project pilot for Honeywell, Inc. in Phoenix, AZ, where he was an avionics expert for customer support and training.

Meyer also served in the United States military as a flight lead F-16 pilot in the US Air Force, Air National Guard. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.

And, for the record... Russ III says his dad supported his move. Still, we'd wager the next family gathering could be interesting.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com