Boeing Names Marc Allen to Lead Business in China

CHICAGO, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) today named Marc Allen president of Boeing China.  He will be based in Beijing and report to Shep Hill, president, Boeing International and senior vice president Business Development and Strategy.

Allen, who will be responsible for Boeing's growth and productivity plans and initiatives in China, succeeds David Wang, 67, who is retiring after almost a decade of distinguished service in one of the company's key global markets.

Boeing Chairman, CEO and President, Jim McNerney, said: "David has been a leader of US business growth in China for more than two decades. His exemplary commitment to The Boeing Company and to China markets has set a very high standard for us."

Wang will continue to serve as an advisor to the company.  

"We are delighted to be able to retain David's services as Senior Counselor in China,” said Hill. "His immense knowledge, experience and unique expertise will be invaluable as we work to build on his significant achievements."

As president of Boeing China, Allen, 37, will lead company-wide activities that include government affairs and the development and implementation of the Boeing China strategy focused on new business and industrial partnership opportunities, corporate citizenship projects, expanding the Boeing presence and strengthening company relationships with customers and other stakeholders.  

Prior to this appointment, Allen served as vice president Global Law Affairs and general counsel to Boeing International. He has led the company's international legal practice group since its inception in late 2007.

"Marc Allen is uniquely suited to lead our activities in China, having spent the last few years as an integral part of the company's global operations," said McNerney. He is one of our most capable leaders, and his prior experiences are well suited for this new, market-focused role."

Shep Hill added: "Marc and his team have supported critical strategic partner and customer agreements from Asia to the Middle East to Europe over the last few years. He has been incredibly effective in bringing a global perspective based on mutual understanding to the often too rigid exchange that lawyers from different countries have. In Beijing that ability to build trust and long-term collaboration with key partners and stakeholders will be invaluable."

Directly and through subsidiaries and joint ventures, Boeing China employs 6,000 workers.  It is the single largest purchaser of made-in-China aviation parts, committing hundreds of millions of dollars to dozens of suppliers.  And it represents aircraft and services interests with annual turnover of roughly five billion dollars.

Boeing and China's long history of cooperation and mutual benefit dates back to 1916.  Boeing jets are the mainstay of China's air travel and cargo system.  More than 50 percent of all the commercial jetliners operating in China are Boeing airplanes.  In 2010, Boeing delivered the 800th Boeing airplane to China, an Air China Next Generation 737-800.  Today, some 6,000 Boeing airplanes fly throughout the world with integrated China-built parts and assemblies.  Indeed, China has a component role on every current Boeing commercial airplane model – the 737, 747, 767, 777, as well as the world's newest and most innovative airplane, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Through these activities, Boeing has built long-standing relationships with the Chinese government, the airlines, the aviation industry and aerospace suppliers.

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales. Headquartered in Chicago, it employs more than 160,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries.

Contact:  

Tom McLean, +703 465 3637; (703) 929-1817)

Charlie Miller, +44 7802 399622

Yukui Wang,   +86 13601317722

SOURCE Boeing