Gary Cantrell has joined Textron Inc. in Providence as vice president and chief information officer. He joins Textron from Bank of America, where he held several senior-level roles. In addition to serving as an officer of the company, Cantrell will direct Textron’s technology and information systems strategy, as well as steer day-to-day operations and activities of the company’s enterprise-wide information technology resources.
PBN: What attracted you to Textron?
CANTRELL: There is a drive for continuous evolution in Textron’s information technology. The chance to be a part of this at Textron, where the corporate environment and the business units are working together on critical projects to support the entire business is attractive.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
Learn More
PBN: Does being a manufacturer of products differ from a service provider in how IT is used?
CANTRELL: Yes. Both areas drive for information technology integration, but our priorities are slightly different. Manufacturing activities are more focused on using technology to improve speed to market, productivity and first-pass quality. There are complex product systems that are critical to manufacturing success that aren’t as relevant to a service provider.
PBN: How does Textron use IT to create competitive advantages?
CANTRELL: Our use is broad in scope and business impact. We have projects integrating engineering and manufacturing to improve speed and quality. We have projects to upgrade some basic operating systems, providing better business controls and leveraging cross-business coordination. We also have employee-focused projects that improve access to company information.
PBN: Is there a reason you went back to manufacturing?
CANTRELL: Yes, it’s because I love the business. During my career, I’ve spent a lot of time in engineering and project management where I was close to the end product. I’m a pilot, golfer and a big fan of our Armed Forces, so this was a great fit. The services experience was invaluable but on a personal level I like the end product linkages.
