Boeing has appointed 11-year company veteran Chris Smith vice president and managing director for its defense business in Saudi Arabia, the company announced Tuesday.
He will report to Chris Raymond, vice president of business development and strategy for the defense, space and security unit.
The company said Smith will also work with Ahmez Jazzar, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia, and be responsible for maintaining customer relationships and establishing new in-country partnerships.
“Chris’ priority in his new role will be to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction in the Kingdom with the platforms and services we are providing for the government, ” Raymond said, adding the company has had a presence in the country for more than 60 years.
Saudi Arabia has been a focal point for foreign military sales activity of late, including a $30 billion sale of Boeing F-15s and a proposed $257 million sale of equipment for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Jazzar said the appointment is in line with company initiatives in aerospace industry development.
Smith, a 20-year Australian navy veteran, most recently served as director of strategic alliances for the global services and support business.
In the capacity, he developed strategies and business cases to guide new pursuits, investments and teaming.
Prior to that, he led complex programs in the U.S., Australia and the U.K. including the company’s international homeland security and advanced military network centric systems businesses.
