Boeing has announced that Jim Chilton will succeed Craig R. Cooning as president of the company's Network & Space Systems (N&SS) businesses, effective Oct. 21.

Chilton was vice president of the company's Strategic Missile & Defense Systems organisation. Before that he spent much of his 32-year career leading space launch, payload processing and rocket engine programs. Cooning is retiring after 11 years at Boeing.

"These businesses made significant operating improvements under Craig's leadership," said Boeing Defense, Space & Security CEO Leanne Caret. "Jim will now lead our efforts to exceed customers' expectations by becoming even more affordable, efficient and innovative, with a focus on growth for the next century."

In conjunction with Chilton's promotion, Boeing is creating a new Strategic Defense & Intelligence Systems (SD&IS) organisation by combining the group Chilton led with its Electronic & Information Solutions (E&IS) team. The SD&IS team brings together undersea mission solutions, signals intelligence and intelligence and analytics with advanced missile, missile defense and sensor solutions across all domains - space, air, land, sea, undersea and cyber. This intelligence fusion will offer innovative, affordable solutions to our customers across the services.

Chris Raymond, currently E&IS vice president and general manager, will lead the new organisation. Both Chilton and Raymond will be based in the Washington, D.C. area.

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