Boeing

Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer, issued the following statement Friday after learning of the death of Lew Platt, lead director and former chairman of the board:

On Thursday night, we lost one of our best friends and one of Boeing's most important leaders -- Lew Platt, our lead director and former chairman.

I am deeply saddened by Lew's untimely death, and I speak for all Boeing directors and employees in extending our deepest sympathy to his family.

Lew shepherded Boeing with strength, grace, dignity and integrity through a period when the company most needed his steady hand. He was a compassionate man who put his own retirement and personal plans on the back burner to ensure that Boeing never missed a beat through its recent recovery.

Everywhere that Boeing's customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders looked, Lew was there -- fighting for a level playing field in international trade, listening to people's concerns, championing what's right. Always -- always -- he turned the conversation to how important the company's people are to its success. And we are all better for having served with him.

Lew will always be in our hearts. And we will miss him.