Spirit AeroSystems has released that Patrick M. Shanahan, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, has been appointed interim President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Shanahan succeeds Thomas C. Gentile III as President and Chief Executive Officer. Gentile has resigned as a member of the Board, effective September 30, 2023. The company’s Board will conduct a search to identify a new Chief Executive Officer.
Shanahan’s career spans both commercial and military programme, including 31 years with The Boeing Company and service as Deputy Secretary of Defence and Acting Secretary of Defence. As the 33rd Deputy Secretary of Defence, Shanahan helped lead the development of key Department of Defence policies and strategies. He has served on the Spirit AeroSystems Board since November 2021. Shanahan currently serves on the boards of Leidos Holdings and CAE Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Gentile will serve as a consultant to the company for a period of three months to ensure a smooth transition.
