Boeing Defense Chief Exits Company

Sudden Departure Raises Questions About Future of Boeing's Defense Business

Key Takeaways:

- Boeing's Defense, Space & Security (BDS) division head Leanne Caret departs after only 18 months on the job. - Caret's departure raises questions about the future of Boeing's defense business, which accounts for nearly half of the company's revenue. - Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announces he will take over as interim BDS leader until a replacement for Caret is found.

Boeing's Defense, Space & Security (BDS) division chief Leanne Caret has abruptly stepped down from her post after just 18 months on the job, raising questions about the future of the company's defense business.

Caret's departure was announced in a statement by Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, who said that he would take over as interim BDS leader until a replacement is found.

No reason was given for Caret's departure, and Boeing declined to comment beyond Calhoun's statement.Boeing did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Caret's departure comes at a critical time for Boeing's defense business, which accounts for nearly half of the company's revenue.

The company is facing increasing competition from rivals such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, and it is also grappling with the fallout from the 737 MAX crisis.

Caret's departure is the latest in a series of high-level departures from Boeing in recent years. In December, Boeing's chief financial officer Greg Smith announced that he would be leaving the company to join General Motors.

In January, Boeing's chief information officer and chief digital officer Lynne Hopper also announced her departure.

Analysts say that Caret's departure is a sign of the challenges that Boeing is facing in its defense business.

"This is a major blow to Boeing's defense business," said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst at the Teal Group.

"Caret was a highly respected leader with a strong track record in the industry," Aboulafia said. "Her departure is a sign that Boeing is struggling to find its footing in the defense market.

Boeing is expected to announce a new BDS leader in the coming weeks.