Former Cessna CEO and Chairman Russ Meyer Dies at 93

Meyer was a longtime leader at Cessna Aircraft and a champion of aviation philanthropy.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Russell W. "Russ" Meyer Jr., who served as CEO and chairman of Cessna Aircraft from 1975 to 2003, died on Wednesday at the age of 93. Meyer was a former Air Force fighter pilot and aviation lawyer before joining Cessna, where he played a key role in the development of the Citation business jets and the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act. After retiring in 2004, he remained active as Cessna's chairman emeritus and was known for his philanthropic efforts, including founding the Special Olympics Airlift and supporting workforce development and healthcare initiatives in Wichita.

Why it matters

Russ Meyer was a towering figure in the aviation industry, leading Cessna through a period of significant growth and innovation. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a visionary leader who championed both the business and philanthropic sides of the industry.

The details

Meyer joined Cessna in 1974 at the invitation of then-board chair Dwayne Wallace. He served as CEO and chairman from 1975 to 2003, overseeing the development and launch of the Citation business jets. Meyer was a key advocate for the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act, which helped spur the industry's recovery in the 1990s. After retiring, Meyer remained active as Cessna's chairman emeritus and was known for his philanthropic efforts, including founding the Special Olympics Airlift and supporting workforce development and healthcare initiatives in Wichita.

  • Meyer died on Wednesday, March 6, 2026.
  • Meyer served as CEO and chairman of Cessna from 1975 to 2003.
  • Meyer remained active as Cessna's chairman emeritus after retiring in 2004.

The players

Russell W. "Russ" Meyer Jr.

The longtime CEO, chair, and chairman emeritus of Cessna Aircraft, who played a key role in the development of the Citation business jets and the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act.

Dwayne Wallace

The former Cessna board chair and Clyde Cessna's nephew, who invited Meyer to join the company in 1974.

Ron Draper

The current Textron Aviation president and CEO, who praised Meyer's leadership and legacy.

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What they’re saying

“Russ was a remarkable human being and one of the most respected leaders I have ever known. I held Russ in the highest regard, not only for his extraordinary business acumen, but for the integrity, humility and genuine care he showed for people at every stage of his life. He led with conviction, compassion and an unwavering belief that leadership carries a responsibility to serve something greater than oneself.”

— Ron Draper, Textron Aviation President and CEO (justhelicopters.com)

The takeaway

Russ Meyer's legacy as a transformative leader and philanthropist in the aviation industry will continue to inspire and shape the future of the field. His unwavering commitment to both business excellence and community service serves as a model for industry leaders.