Boeing

In a move to strengthen its in-country presence, Boeing India is announcing the appointment of two senior executives to lead its efforts in India.

Boeing today named Ian Thomas as vice president of Boeing International and president of Boeing India, effective Jan. 19. He is responsible for leading Boeing's enterprise-wide India team, strengthening the company's local presence and finding new ways to pursue growth and productivity initiatives. Thomas succeeds Anil Shrikhande, who has been appointed vice president and country leader for Integrated Defense Systems.

"With Ian joining the Boeing team and Anil dedicating his extensive experience, market insights and in-country relationships to IDS, Boeing has significantly strengthened its ability to capitalize on growth opportunities in this strategically important market to Boeing," said Laurette Koellner, president of Boeing International.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes' sales and marketing team will remain in its current structure and continues to be led by Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Sales for South and Southeast Asia, from Seattle. Keskar will continue to work with senior government officials and ministries related to commercial airplane activities. Larry Coughlin, managing director of India Operations, will remain responsible for coordinating and integrating in-country operations for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Thomas joins Boeing India following a position in Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems business unit, based in London, where he served as vice president -- Europe, leading all business development efforts for the unit. From 2000-2005, he served as vice president -- UK Business Development, leading Boeing's business activities in the United Kingdom. He joined the company in 2001.

In 2003, Shrikhande went to Boeing India as a vice president of Boeing International, and in 2004 was appointed managing director for Boeing India, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Shrikhande joined Boeing in 2000.

"India represents one of Boeing's largest potential growth markets for defense products in Asia," said Mark Kronenberg, vice president for IDS Business Development for Asia-Pacific . "Anil Shrikhande's appointment reflects the importance IDS is placing on the Indian defense market which holds great potential to generate new revenue for the company."

The close relationship between Boeing and India goes back six decades, when India entered the jet age on the wings of Boeing jetliners. Boeing jets continue to be the mainstay of the country's domestic and intercontinental commercial fleets. Boeing also has important relationships with suppliers in India and is actively pursuing technical and business partnerships with Indian companies and institutions.

In December 2003, Boeing established a wholly owned subsidiary, Boeing International Corporation India Private Limited (BICIPL), to support the growing demands of India's aviation, aerospace and defense industries.

"India is a priority market for Boeing," added Koellner. "There is a tremendous opportunity for Boeing and India to work together in many ways to advance our common interests. The people we selected to lead our presence in India and drive our business are talented professionals with a proven track record for generating results. We have a solid business plan and a long-term view of the market. With this approach we are going to create even greater value for Boeing and our customers and partners in India."

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft, with capabilities in rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. Boeing employs more than 156,000 people in more than 67 countries.