Boeing

LONDON, October 19, 2011 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has appointed Matthew Knowles as Communications Director for the UK and Ireland. He will be responsible for developing the company’s communications strategies, communications partnerships with suppliers and customers as well as engaging with key stakeholders. He will also support the company’s successful community outreach programmes and sponsorships, including the Boeing Build a Plane challenge for schools and the British Military Tournament

“The UK is a crucial market for Boeing, from supporting the UK’s Armed Forces with equipment such as the CH-47 Chinook helicopter to working with valued airline customers” said Sir Roger Bone, president of Boeing UK and Ireland. “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to lead communications in this important area for the company. He will work closely with Boeing Defence UK, Boeing Commercial Airplanes and the international teams to enhance the company’s reputation and help grow our business here.”

Knowles, 36, has a 13-year career in communications and public affairs roles.  He led the policy and communications team at the British Chambers of Commerce during an award-winning period from 2002 to 2004, held similar senior roles in other major UK trade associations and local government before heading up public relations for the UK’s largest business membership organisation, the Federation of Small Businesses.  For the past two years he has led communications for the UK aerospace defense and security trade organisation ADS. He has a degree in French and Politics from the University of Leeds, as well as a Masters degree in Public Policy from Queen Mary College, London. 

Boeing employs more than 1,000 people across the UK at numerous sites, from Glasgow to Gosport, and the company is experiencing solid organic growth. Boeing’s long-standing relationship with British industry, the Armed Forces and the air transport industry dates back more than 70 years. Today the UK remains a critically important market, supplier base and a source of some of the world’s most inventive technology partners. Boeing’s annual expenditure with the UK aerospace industry supports tens of thousands of jobs and, in the process, enhances skills, facilitates exports and generates intellectual property.  

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Contact:

Chantal Dorange
International Corporate Communications
Europe, Middle East and Africa
+34 91 426 4504
Chantal.dorange@boeing.com