Boeing CEO of Defense, Space & Security Leanne Caret explained the company’s decision to fire 50 executives in a Wednesday interview at the Defense One Global Business Briefing in D.C.
Boeing released a statement Tuesday announcing plans to reorganize the structure of their defense and space unit in an effort to “boost competitiveness.”
“Yesterday was about being more responsive, more agile,” Caret said in the interview with Global Business Editor Marcus Weisgerber. “We’ve had the same organizational structure since 2002. It has served us very well.…But I still believe we could be more responsive.”
Claret emphasized increased competition as a driving force behind the reorganization.
“Competition hasn’t eased up any. It’s competitive and as fierce as it’s ever been, so affordability matters on every level,” she said.
Claret also described the degree to which a changing geopolitical landscape informed the firm’s decision making. She stressed the importance of being prepared to respond to smaller regional conflicts as well as impending global security threats, like those emerging from North Korea.
She also discussed what the election of President Donald Trump has meant for the business, expressing appreciation for Trump’s emphasis on increased efficiency and saving tax dollars.
“Politics has always been around, and politics will always be around,” she said. “What I like, and we’ve all seen, is that [Trump’s] focused on business results and he’s focused on getting a great deal for our taxpayer.”
Claret also addressed the new Air Force One model currently being developed, highlighting the extent to which the firm is cooperating with the White House to “work together for a win-win, for the nation as well as for the company.”
Claret’s emphasis on cooperation between the firm and the White House is significant in light of Trump’s February tweet, in which he lashed out at Boeing over the price of the new Air Force One model.
Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2016
Trump made good on his threat by slashing funding for the presidential aircraft by almost $200 million in the 2018 budget proposal.
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