Boeing has announced Raymond Conner, a former 727 mechanic and 34-year company veteran, as the new chief executive for their commercial aircraft unit.
Conner takes over for Jim Albaugh, who will retire on October 1st, and remain with the company in an advisory role to assist with the transition. After joining Boeing in 1977, Conner worked his way up the production and marketing operations to become head of global sales and customer support.
“Ray’s breadth and depth of experience in commercial airplanes is unmatched in our industry,” said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim 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.”
The announcement comes as Boeing continues its commercial aircraft market battle with Airbus, and focuses on increasing production of its 787 Dreamliner.
“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 McNerney.