Boeing reorganizes Commercial Airplanes production

Boeing said Thursday it is restructuring its Commercial Airplanes leadership, putting 787 general manager Pat Shanahan in charge of all its airliner production and development programs.

The Commercial Airplanes unit also created a new Supply Chain Management and Operations organization, to be led by former vice president of sales Ray Conner, 53. Conner will oversee supplier management, fabrication, propulsion systems and quality issues.

Shanahan, 46, continues to have direct oversight and accountability for the 787 program, with Scott Fancher becoming that program's vice president and general manager, Boeing said. Fancher, 50, previously led the company's missile defense business.

The reorganization comes amid widespread problems on Boeing's assembly lines. The company today said the 787 Dreamliner will be delivered about two years later than its customers were originally promised. Production of its other planes, restarting after a two-month Machinists strike, has been delayed by problems with improper connectors that were installed by its partners.

The company said Carolyn Corvi, 57, who led the previous Airplane Programs organization, will retire at year's end after a 34-year career at Boeing.

"The steps we are taking today will sharpen our management focus and bring our organizational structure to bear to improve execution in our supply chain, as well as on our development programs," said Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "These moves will help drive results through our entire development and production system, deliver value to our customers and enhance our overall competitiveness."