Boeing’s CFO Bell to retire in 2012
Published 7:25 am Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Boeing Co.’s chief financial officer, James Bell, will retire on April 1, the company said Tuesday.
“James Bell’s service to Boeing has been extraordinary in many ways over many years,” Jim McNerney, Boeing’s chief executive, said in a statement. “As CFO he created a world-class finance organization and a culture of continuous improvement.”
Bell, 63, has served as CFO since 2003. He joined Rockwell International in 1972 as staff accountant. Boeing bought Rockwell in 1996. His career spans a wide spectrum of assignments and roles across Boeing. He served as corporate controller before being named CFO.
Greg Smith, 45, corporate controller and finance vice president, has been elected by Boeing’s board of directors to succeed Bell as executive vice president and chief financial officer effective Feb. 1, 2012. Boeing said Smith and Bell will work together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
Smith has more than two decades of aerospace industry experience. Prior to being named corporate controller in February 2010, he led the company’s financial planning and analysis. He also previously served as controller of the Boeing Shared Services Group.
“Greg is an extremely capable and seasoned industry leader with a uniquely broad background in finance, manufacturing and supply chain operations, and program management,” McNerney said.
Diana Sands, 46, vice president of investor relations and financial planning and analysis, has been appointed corporate controller, also effective Feb. 1.
Sands joined Boeing in 2001 from General Motors. She has led investor relations and financial planning and analysis since February 2010. She previously held positions in corporate treasury and other finance areas.
Bell plans to remain active in various civic, business and philanthropic roles. He is a member of the board of directors of Dow Chemical Company, the Chicago Urban League, World Business Chicago and the Chicago Economic Club.
Bell’s “passion, strength of character, and 40 years of accomplishment will have a lasting impact on our company,” McNerney said.
