Laurette Koellner to replace retiring Tom Pickering as International Relations leader
Stan Deal to lead Connexion by Boeing as part of Business Development and Strategy organization
CHICAGO – Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney today announced that Connexion by Boeing President Laurette T. Koellner, 51, will become president, Boeing International Relations, replacing Thomas R. Pickering, 74, who is retiring. At the same time, Stanley A. Deal, 41, moves from leading Sales & Marketing Operations at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, to replace Koellner at Connexion by Boeing.
The changes will be effective May 1.
„Tom Pickering advanced this company’s capability to assess and develop market opportunities in a way that has moved us closer to becoming a truly global company,“ McNerney said.
Pickering joined Boeing after a distinguished career as a U.S. diplomat and public servant. He had announced his intention to retire from the company last year. During his five years with Boeing, he established and led the company’s International Relations team that now spans the globe.
„The team that Tom put together is working day in and day out to build and strengthen relationships with those around the world who have a stake in the success of our company. His contributions to Boeing in terms of insight, experience and judgment will endure–just as they have in other places around the world where he served during his legendary career of government service,“ McNerney added.
Prior to joining Boeing, Pickering achieved the rank of Career Ambassador–the highest in the U.S. Foreign Service–after a diplomatic career spanning five decades.
In her new role, Koellner will continue reporting to McNerney and serving on the Boeing Executive Council. She will move to the Washington, D.C., area from Seattle, and will assume leadership responsibilities for 20 Boeing in-country operations throughout the world.
„Laurette’s international experience, customer focus and broad knowledge of the company will serve our international team and the company well. Boeing’s growing global presence is built on a strong foundation of relationships. Working with our business units, Laurette will focus on continuing to develop constructive relationships and partnerships that will help drive the growth of our business,“ McNerney said.
At Connexion by Boeing, the company’s mobile broadband business, Deal returns to an organization he served as vice president Sales & Business Development before moving to Commercial Airplanes in June 2005. Deal will report to Shep Hill, senior vice president, corporate business development and strategy.
„Stan’s customer focus and experience with the Connexion business make him the right person to lead Connexion as we continue to invest in and build the business globally. With Stan and Shep working together, we will be able to continue to build and position Connexion for additional growth opportunities,“ McNerney said.
Connexion by Boeing is a mobile information services provider that is bringing the fastest available high-speed Internet, data and entertainment connectivity to aircraft in flight, including commercial airplanes and executive transport aircraft, and to the maritime industry. Currently offered on more than 180 flights each day, Connexion by Boeing provides airline passengers with personalized access to the Internet, to their personal and business e-mail accounts (including attachments) and to entertainment content–just as they might have in a modern home or office. Connexion by Boeing also provides an e-enablement framework for aircraft operators, who can use its high-speed data capabilities to increase operational efficiency; reduce maintenance costs, delays and cancellations; improve flight crew communications and situational awareness; and enhance customer service for passengers in-flight.
