Boeing names Managing Director for its Defense Business in Saudi Arabia

Smith will be based in Riyadh and focus on ensuring that the best of Boeing and industry are brought to support the Kingdom's defense and security needs. He will report to Chris Raymond, vice president of Business Development and Strategy for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS).

"We're proud of the enduring relationship our company has forged with Saudi Arabia over the past 60 years," Raymond said. "To help ensure many more years of success, Chris' priority in his new role will be to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction in the Kingdom with the platforms and services we are providing for the government."

Smith's appointment is effective immediately. He will work closely with Ahmed Jazzar, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia values long-term relationships and always looks forward for beneficial industry partnerships," Jazzar said. "Chris' appointment demonstrates Boeing's commitment to the Kingdom's national strategic objectives and the continued development of its aerospace industry."

Previously, Smith served as director of Strategic Alliances for BDS' Global Services & Support business, where he developed strategies and business cases to guide new pursuits, investments and teaming. Prior to that, he led complex programs for Boeing in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, including the company's International Homeland Security and Advanced Military Network Centric Systems businesses. Smith joined Boeing in 2001 after serving 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy.
Smith holds a First Class Honors degree in engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Deakin University.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32bn business with 61,000 employees worldwide.