Boeing’s Scott Carson to retire

The Boeing Co. announced the retirement Monday of Scott Carson, president of the aerospace company’s commercial airplanes division.

Carson will retire at the end of 2009. He will be replaced by Jim Albaugh, who currently leads Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems division. Albaugh’s appointment will be effective Sept. 1. Carson will remain on through Dec. 31 to assist in the transition.

“Thanks to (Carson’s) leadership and operational experience, Boeing Commercial Airplanes has performed extremely well in a tough business environment and remains positioned solidly for continued market success,” said Boeing’s CEO Jim McNerney.

Carson, 63, has led Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes Division since 2006 after spending two years in charge of the division’s sales team. Carson has been with Boeing for 38 years and has presided over the division as it has struggled with delays to its 787 Dreamliner program.

Just last week, Carson participated in a conference call with media and analysts in announcing a new schedule for the Dreamliner, which is more than two years late. In a memo to employees, Carson said his decision to step down is in part tied to that new schedule.

Albaugh, 59, has been in charge of the company’s defense division since 2002. Albaugh began his 34-year career with Rockwell’s aerospace and defense businesses, which Boeing acquired in 1996.

McNerney called Albaugh a “seasoned and effective” aerospace executive.

“His program management and engineering focus will help ensure the success of BCA’s key development and production programs,” McNerney said. “On top of that, as a Washington state native and the leader of more than 9,000 IDS employees working in the Puget Sound region, he is familiar with the people, issues and programs in the area. He is the ideal leader for BCA at this time.”

Albaugh will be replaced by Dennis Muilenburg, who moves to his new position from Integrated Defense System’s Global Services &Support unit.