Boeing Shuffle

Boeing today announced a major realignment of its military aircraft sector, shrinking it from six divisions to four.

The defense giant is consolidating its Boeing Military Aircraft (BMA) business and appointing new leadership. The four new divisions are Global Strike, based in St. Louis and led by Shelley Lavender; Mobility, based in Ridley Park, PA, led by Jean Chamberlin; Surveillance and Engagement, based in Seattle and led by Bob Feldmann; and Missiles and Unmanned Airborne Systems, based in St. Charles, MO, and headed by Debbie Rub.

The realignment will take effect Oct. 1, according to a company statement released this afternoon.

Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick said the new alignment will allow BMA to meet national and global requirements for the next decade and beyond.

"This new structure supports BMA's progression from a product-based business to a capabilities-based business, focusing on supporting our customers in the United States and increasingly important international markets," Chadwick said. "It is consistent with initiatives under way throughout the entire Boeing defense business that will allow us to remain competitive and grow."

Perhaps the most notable name in the leadership shuffles is Chamberlin's; she currently is the vice president and general manager for Boeing NewGen tanker program, which is the company's candidate for the Air Force's $35 billion next-generation aerial refueling tanker contract. Before that appointment, Chamberlin was vice president and general manager for BMA's global mobility systems division, leading programs including the C-17 Globemaster III airlifter.

Chadwick also announced a new BMA leadership team position -- operating executive -- which will be filled by Phil Dunford. Dunford will be responsible for managing BMA's Engineering, Supplier Management and Production Operations functions.