Boeing announced Stephen (Steve) Parker as president and chief executive officer of its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business, effective immediately. Parker has served as interim leader of the Boeing business unit since September 2024.
“Under Steve’s leadership, our defense business has stabilized its operations, improved program execution and strengthened relationships with our customers,” said Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg. “With proven experience in manufacturing and program management, combined with his focus on developing people and building a strong culture, Steve is a leader who exemplifies the best of Boeing.”
Parker will report to Ortberg and serve on the company’s Executive Council. Parker will oversee all aspects of the company’s business unit that provides technology, products and solutions for defense, government, space and intelligence customers worldwide.
Parker was previously BDS chief operating officer, responsible for day-to-day business operations overseeing teams that include quality, manufacturing and safety, supply chain and program management. Before that, Parker led BDS divisions including Bombers & Fighters and Vertical Lift, and oversaw teams that developed many of the most innovative products and solutions across Boeing’s defence portfolio. He also managed Boeing Defence Australia, the company’s largest subsidiary outside the U.S. Parker joined Boeing in 1988.
Airbus Defence and Space implements new organisation
The new organisation of Airbus Defence and Space will come into effect on 1 July 2025, as previously communicated. The Division has completed all information and consultation processes on European as well as national levels for its adaptation plan and has reached productive agreements with its social partners. This process followed an announcement in October 2024 to adapt the Division’s organisation and workforce in light of a continued complex business environment, especially in the Space Systems segment where significant financial charges were recorded in 2023 and 2024.
Among others, the company announced it would reduce up to 2,043 positions, predominantly management overhead functions, and provide stronger end-to-end accountability to its three business lines – Air Power, Space Systems and Connected Intelligence – in order to better cope with business requirements in the future.
“I thank our social partners and our Airbus Defence and Space colleagues for their constructive engagement and contributions throughout this process. Navigating organisational change is never straightforward for any party, particularly when it involves adapting our workforce. The current geopolitical landscape requires a stronger, faster and more resilient European defence and security industry. Our new structure delivers on this requirement through an efficient and effective end-to-end responsibility for our three businesses and a significantly optimised cost structure while preserving the ability and capacity to benefit from growing defence spending,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO Airbus Defence and Space.
As confirmed at the beginning of the information and consultation process, there will be no compulsory redundancies. The company is also committed to minimising the impact on its employees by utilising all available social measures.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at simon.hadfield@venturamedia.net
