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Raymond L. Conner has taken over as president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, with James Albaugh to retire from the aircraft manufacturer in October.
“Ray’s breadth and depth of experience in commercial airplanes is unmatched in our industry,” said Boeing Company chairman, president and CEO James McNerney.
“He has built airplanes, sold airplanes, serviced airplanes, managed our largest programs, knows our customers extremely well, and is respected by our employees. He is the natural next leader of our growing commercial airplanes business and this move is consistent with our executive succession plan.”
Mr Conner was previously senior vice president, Sales and Customer Support for Commercial Airplanes, and has had a 34-year career with Boeing. He has also held roles in supply chain management and also played a key role in overseeing the development of Boeing’s South Carolina manufacturing operations.
He will take over the post immediately, with incumbent Mr Albaugh to retire from Boeing on October 1. In the meantime both will report to Mr McNerney and will work together to manage the leadership transition.
Mr Albaugh joined Rockwell Corporation in 1975, which was later taken over by Boeing, and subsequently has held senior positions in the company’s Space and Communications and Integrated Defense Systems businesses prior to being appointed president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes in September 2009.
At the time, Mr Albaugh’s appointment to BCA was seen as a key step to restore confidence in the manufacturer following the chronic delays to the 787 and 747-8 programs.
“We thank Jim for his many years of service in our defense, space and security businesses and, most recently, to Boeing Commercial Airplanes where he helped ensure the certification and successful entry into service of the 787 Dreamliner and 747-8, and the launch of the 737 MAX,” said Mr McNerney.
