Boeing Sets Up UK Defense Subsidiary
he Boeing Company has appointed Mike Kurth as managing director of Boeing Defence UK, Ltd., to establish and initially lead the newly structured business, effective Jan. 1, 2008.
Kurth will be responsible for coordinating all of Boeing’s defense activities and business development in the UK, working with Sir Roger Bone, president, Boeing UK, to pursue growth opportunities and partnerships. Supporting Kurth are Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jonathan Bailey and Brian Moran, who also have joined the senior management of Boeing Defence UK, which currently has around 150 employees at 20 locations throughout the UK.
Jim Albaugh, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems president and CEO, said, “This appointment demonstrates our commitment to our customers and partners in the UK. Mike Kurth possesses the outstanding domain knowledge, customer relationships and leadership qualities to position and strengthen Boeing Defence UK, Ltd., as a key on-shore partner to the Ministry of Defence.”
Boeing has been active over the last year launching three new systems engineering and technology facilities in Bristol, Farnborough and Cranfield. In the Network Enabled Capability arena, Boeing, in partnership with Thales UK, has been selected as the preferred bidder for the role of System-of-Systems Integrator for the Future Rapid Effect System program. Boeing also has been recruiting systems engineers, software analysts, training specialists, as well as supply chain and process managers.
Kurth, a pilot with more than 5,000 hours on 30 aircraft types, joined Boeing in 1997 after 24 years of distinguished service with the U.S. Marine Corps. Prior to this appointment, he was vice president, Business Development, IDS Advanced Systems. Holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a master’s degree from the Naval War College, he is a board member of the Association of the U.S. Army and the Marines’ Memorial Association. Kurth is a recipient of the Navy Cross, and his other military honors and citations include the Alfred A. Cunningham Marine Aviator of the Year Award and the Navy League’s John A. Lejeune Award for Inspirational Leadership.
Bailey, currently deputy director, Boeing Defense UK, Bristol, retired from the British Army in 2005 after 33 years of service. From 2002-05, he was director general, Development and Doctrine, responsible for the future concepts, force development and doctrine of the British Army. Prior to that time, he was director of the Royal Artillery. Brian Moran, director for UK Industrial Participation, was formerly chief of staff to the President and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. He is responsible for leading the development and management of Boeing’s offset programs and industrial liaison in the UK.
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