Darren Edwards, formerly general manager of Salentis‘ operations in Australia and New Zealand, has been named vice president and managing director of Boeing‘s (NYSE: BA) defense business unit in Australia.
Edwards replaces Ken Shaw, who transitioned to a new role as VP of supply chain for Boeing’s global services business, and will also serve as a board member at the Boeing Australia Holdings organization, the company said Monday.
David Pitchforth, president of Boeing’s global operations, said Edwards will bring his leadership experience and extensive knowledge of the company and Australian defense force in his new position.
Before Salentis, Edwards served as chief operating officer of Boeing Defence Australia from 2011 to 2015 and prior to that he held various leadership roles within the service, supplier management and defense, space and security businesses.
Boeing secured a $1.5 billion contract modification in August 2015 to manufacture nine full-rate production Lot II P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the U.S. Navy and four P-8As for the Australian air force.
