For now, The Boeing Company, the world’s largest aerospace firm, is flying under the guidance of an African-American executive.
James Bell was named interim president and CEO in the wake of the forced resignation of Harry Stonecipher. Stonecipher was forced out after an affair with a female executive was disclosed to the firm’s chairman of the board.
While serving as president and CEO, Bell will also continue to serve as chief financial officer for Boeing.
As president and CEO, Bell oversees Boeing’s strategic direction, sets operational and financial performance targets, directs capital expenditures and approves all key personnel assignments. A 32-year Boeing veteran, Bell oversees business performance and growth at the Chicago-based, $52 billion, 157,000-person commercial airplane and defense company.
As CFO, he is responsible for overall financial management of the company, its financial reporting and transparency, and for multiple corporate functions including controller, treasury, investor relations, corporate and strategic development and the company’s customer-financing activities.
