Patrick Shanahan Named Interim President, CEO of Spirit AeroSystems

Patrick Shanahan, former deputy secretary of the Department of Defense and member of the board of directors of Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR), has been named as the company’s interim president and CEO.

He takes over the responsibilities of Thomas Gentile, who resigned as president, CEO and board member on Saturday, the Wichita, Kansas-based aerostructure manufacturer said Monday.

Shanahan brings to the role nearly four decades of experience in defense, aerospace and business consulting. For 31 years, he served in various capacities at Boeing (NYSE: BA), including as senior vice president of supply chain and operations.

He was appointed deputy secretary of defense in 2017, a role that he kept for two years. In 2018, he stewarded the establishment of the National Defense Strategy as well as the agency’s cyber strategy. He also led the development of DOD’s missile defense, cyber and nuclear posture reviews.

His other major contributions include the launch of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and the finalization of DOD’s AI Strategy.

“I believe Spirit possesses the assets, know-how and talent to satisfy the extraordinary aviation demand and mitigate global supply chain challenges,” commented Shanahan, previous Wash100 awardee. “I look forward to working closely with our stakeholders, the Board and the Spirit team to meet all of our customer commitments, build teamwork, stabilize operations and drive improved cash flow.”

He joined Spirit in November 2021 and will temporarily lead the company as its board searches for a new CEO.

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