Boeing taps new head of commercial planes

Boeing on Tuesday named Raymond Connor as the new head of its commercial airplanes business, succeeding Jim Albaugh, who is retiring after 37 years of service at the US aerospace giant. Conner, 57, was appointed president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, effective immediately, Boeing said in a statement. A 34-year Boeing veteran, Connor began his career as an airplane mechanic and worked his way up the management chain. His prior post was senior vice president, sales and customer support for the commercial division. "Ray's breadth and depth of experience in commercial airplanes is unmatched in our industry," said Jim McNerney, chairman, president and CEO of the Chicago-based company. Albaugh, 62, plans to retire from the company on October 1. Until then, he will report to McNerney while assisting with the transition to Conner's leadership. "We thank Jim for his many years of service in our defense, space and security businesses and, most recently, to Boeing Commercial Airplanes where he helped ensure the certification and successful entry into service of the 787 Dreamliner and 747-8, and the launch of the 737 MAX," said McNerney.