Brendan Nelson lands high-flying new job
Boeing today announced that Brendan Nelson will take over as president of Boeing International (BI) and lead the company’s international strategy and corporate operations.
The former Australian diplomat, government minister and boss of the Australian War Memorial will succeed Sir Michael Arthur when he retires from Boeing in early 2023 after four years at the helm of Boeing International.
Dr Nelson, the second non-US citizen to lead the organisation, will report to Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun and join the company’s executive council.
The Australian citizen has been president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific since February 2020.
He will move to London to take up his new role, effective 12 January 2023.
“Brendan brings to his new position vast experience in government and diplomacy, industry and non-profit associations, that will serve us well as we continue to grow as a global company while navigating the dynamics of the geopolitical environment,” said Mr Calhoun.
Boeing operates in 65 different countries, including major operations in Australia, India, the Middle East and United Kingdom, and employs more than 25,000 people outside of the United States who are engaged in design, development, manufacturing, services and support.
Dr Nelson will oversee 20 regional offices in key global markets.
His responsibilities will include developing the company’s growth and productivity initiatives outside the United States, forming new business and industrial partnerships, overseeing international affairs, enhancing Boeing’s local presence and providing global functional support.
Maria Fernandez will succeed Dr Nelson as president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, effective 20 December 2022.
She will be the senior company leader in the Oceania region and board chair of Boeing Australia Holdings.
In this role, she will coordinate Boeing Australia activities, lead government relations and direct the implementation of the company’s strategy to expand its local presence and grow the business.
“Maria has had a distinguished career with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the Australian national security sector and was the first woman to lead an Australian intelligence agency. She has the ideal background for this position,” said Dr Nelson.
Fernandez has held senior executive positions in Australia’s departments of Home Affairs, Defence, Immigration and Border Protection, and Education.
Before joining Boeing, she ran a consultancy that provided strategic advisory and independent assurance services to Australian government agencies.
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