Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the appointment of David Withers as managing director of Boeing Australia Limited. Withers will move into his new role immediately, replacing David Gray, who has announced he will retire effective Dec. 31, and will work to ensure a smooth transition.

Withers will be responsible for leading what has become one of the leading aerospace companies in Australia, employing 2,200 people across 14 sites.

"Boeing Australia Limited continues to play an important role in Boeing's globalization efforts," said Torbjorn Sjogren, vice president of International Support Systems for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "David Withers is uniquely qualified to lead this organization. He has the customer focus, vision and leadership attributes to guide the organization in pursuit of new levels of productivity and growth."

Withers joined Boeing earlier this year from Smiths Aerospace, where he was managing director of its Asia Pacific businesses. Prior to joining Smiths Aerospace, Withers worked for Qantas as a senior avionics engineer for the airline's 737 and A300 fleets. An instrument rated commercial pilot, Withers has an MBA from La Trobe University and a degree in engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Withers succeeds Gray, who served as the managing director since 1995.

"We thank David Gray for his contributions and years of service to our company," said Sjogren. "We wish him all the very best."