Spirit AeroSystems announces leadership shift to UK
Above: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently confirmed £4.8 million of funding for Spirit AeroSytems' new open access Aerospace Innovation Centre, at its manufacturing site in Prestwick.
Michelle Lohmeier, the current senior vice president, Airbus Programs, will be retiring in the first quarter of 2019. McLarty’s appointment will be official as of 1st January. In the meantime, he and Lohmeier will work on transition activities to ensure a smooth handover. Scott will also join Spirit’s Executive Leadership Team effective immediately.
“We appreciate everything that Michelle has done to build our Airbus business and to position Spirit to further expand and meet our customers’ needs as the demand for commercial aircraft continues to grow at an unprecedented pace,” said Spirit President and CEO Tom Gentile.
McLarty, who will report directly to Gentile starting in January, will lead Airbus programmes from the company’s site in Prestwick, Scotland (right) and oversee Spirit’s Airbus manufacturing operations there, in the US, France and Malaysia. In addition, he will serve as Spirit’s primary liaison to Airbus and to key government officials and industry groups.
“Moving our Airbus Program leadership from our headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, to Scotland is a further reflection of Spirit’s global expansion,” Gentile said. “The shift not only facilitates stronger ties to our nearby Airbus customers but it also underscores our commitment to the UK and Europe in general.”
Earlier this year Spirit announced the creation of a new research and development complex at Prestwick with innovation efforts focusing on carbon resin infusion processes for composite materials, part handling, assembly automation, rapid prototyping and virtual/augmented reality.
McLarty has held a variety of positions at Spirit since arriving in April 2006 as part of the acquisition of the UK BAE Systems’ Aerostructures business unit. His most recent role was vice president and general manager, UK and Malaysia.
Leadership of the Prestwick site will be assumed by Tommy Cowan, who will be promoted to senior director and general manager of the site, leading all UK operations, reporting directly to McLarty.
Spirit AeroSystems is one of the largest manufacturers of aerostructures in the world with design and build capabilities for both commercial and defense customers. The Prestwick site manufactures metallic and composite wing components, such as the leading- and trailing-edges and spoilers for the Airbus A320 family.
