Textron Inc. announced that Brett Pierson has been appointed senior vice president of defense and special missions - a role that includes serving as president and CEO of the defense division.  Pierson succeeds Tom Hammoor, who is retiring after having served in that role the past seven years. An experienced pilot, Pierson is qualified to fly a wide range of Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft from the civil lineup of Textron Aviation, as well as the defense unit's aircraft offerings.  Those include the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainer, AT-6 Wolverine and the Textron Scorpion jet.  Pierson, who brings more than three decades of experience with the Department of Defense to the position, joined the company as a senior test pilot in 2017.  He spent the past two years in the role of vice president of defense strategy and sales. He will now oversee all facets of Textron Aviation Defense, including sales, training and aftermarket support.