Boeing top deck sees shake-up

CHICAGO: Boeing on Tuesday said president and CEO of its Commercial Airplanes division Scott Carson would retire from the company at the end of the year, as the city-based plane maker announced an overhaul of its top management. Replacing Carson would be Jim Albaugh , 59, who was president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defence Systems (IDS).

Dennis Muilenburg, 45, has been named to succeed Albaugh. Both appointments are effective September 1. The management shake-up comes at a time when Boeing is working to ensure the maiden flight of its long-delayed 787 Dreamliner happens by the end of the year.

Carson, 63, has led the commercial airplanes segment since 2006 and was overseeing the 787 Dreamliner programme , which has been delayed about five times so far. Last week, Boeing said the 787 would make its first test flight by the year-end and the first aircraft would be delivered in 2010.

���Carson and Albaugh will work together to ensure a smooth transition of customer and other business relationships . Carson will also assist on special projects for the company through the year-end ,��� a company statement said here. Albaugh has led Boeing���s defence , space and associated services businesses since 2002.