Boeing has appointed Jeremy Quin, former UK defense procurement minister, as its new UK and Ireland president. He will begin his role on November 21, overseeing regional operations and strategy, according to the company’s announcement.
Succession and Challenges
Quin succeeds Maria Laine, who has taken on a leadership role at Boeing Defense, Space and Security. His appointment comes as Boeing Defense UK faces challenges with the Royal Air Force E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) program, facing technical issues, supplier problems, and criticism over costs.
Wedgetail Program Context
Quin’s time as UK defense procurement minister coincided with the MoD’s decision to reduce the Wedgetail order from five to three aircraft. Despite this, the MoD will pay for all five of the Northrop Grumman MESA radars, with the additional sensors intended as spares.
Quin’s Background
Quin served as a UK Conservative party lawmaker from 2015 to 2024, holding positions in various government offices. After losing his seat in the 2024 election, he advised the Labour government’s Strategic Defense Review. He previously spent 25 years in corporate finance.
Boeing Defense UK Management Changes
Thom Breckenridge has been named as the new managing director of Boeing Defense UK, replacing the retiring Steve Burnell.
BDUK’s Portfolio
Besides the E-7, Boeing Defense UK contributes to British defense programs such as the AH-64E Apache, CH-47 Chinook, P-8A Poseidon, and C-17 Globemaster.
