Boeing shifts managers in defence unit

Boeing shifts managers in defence unit

By Sylvia Pfeifer

Published: February 3 2008 17:35 | Last updated: February 3 2008 17:35

Boeing, the world’s leading aerospace and defence group, is shaking up its $32bn defence arm to improve its position in the market.

As part of the overhaul, in which 14 senior executives will change roles on Monday, John Lockard takes over as chief operating officer at the integrated defence systems unit. Mr Lockard will report to Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive of the defence arm.

The move also includes shifting two top defence executives to help ensure the company’s key commercial jet programme, the 787 Dreamliner, does not suffer any more setbacks.

Boeing announced last month that the first flight of the 787 had been postponed by a further three months to “around the end of the second quarter”. The flight was originally scheduled for August last year.

John Van Gels, vice-president of operations and supplier management, and Howard Chambers, vice-president of space and intelligence systems, have both moved to Boeing’s commercial aircraft arm to work on the 787 programme.

Boeing has taken a series of innovative approaches on the programme, including outsourcing more work than ever before to a global network of suppliers.

The two men join Pat Shanahan, who was previously vice-president of Boeing missile defence systems.

Mr Shanahan was appointed to lead the programme in October last year after Mike Bair, its previous head, was moved to be vice-president of business strategy and marketing for Boeing commercial aircraft. Mr Bair had been responsible for all aspects of the programme since its launch in 2004.

“These moves take advantage of the strengths we have . . . and drive further integration and innovation,” said Mr Albaugh.