The Boeing Board of Directors has elected Leanne Caret as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Defense, Space & Security business effective March 1, 2016. She will succeed Chris Chadwick, who has announced his retirement from the company.

Caret, 49, a 28-year company veteran, currently leads that unit’s Global Services & Support business, which has approximately 13,000 employees in 295 locations around the world. With $9 billion in revenues, it is the US Department of Defense’s largest performance-based logistics contractor and an industry leader in providing sustainment services for a diverse range of military products and systems.

“Leanne has a track record of delivering results, an intense customer focus, and the global acumen necessary to build on the existing strengths of our defence, space and security business and grow it for the future,” said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg. “She also is an experienced and inspirational leader who understands all aspects of our business, operates with a One Boeing perspective and has the trust and respect of our employees and our external stakeholders.”

Chadwick, 55, retires this spring after a 34-year career that included a range of senior executive roles. He has led the $30-billion Defense, Space & Security unit since December 2013, after previously leading its Military Aircraft business, which is home to the organisation’s tactical aircraft, rotorcraft, and weapons programmes, among others.

“We thank Chris for the dedication and commitment to Boeing that underpinned the extensive contributions he made to this company throughout his career,” Muilenburg said. “His leadership and strategic focus during a challenging time in our markets has prepared us to move forward with confidence and improved competitiveness.”

Ed Dolanski, 48, will succeed Caret as President of Global Services & Support. Dolanski is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing subsidiary Aviall, the largest provider of new aviation parts and aftermarket supply-chain management services for the aerospace and defence industries.

In addition to becoming CEO of the Defense, Space & Security organisation, Caret also becomes a Boeing Executive Vice President and joins the company’s executive council.

Caret’s Boeing career began in 1988. Before leading the services and support organisation she was Chief Financial Officer for the Defense, Space and Security unit and, before that, Vice President and General Manager of its rotorcraft programmes.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Kansas State University and a master of business administration degree from Wichita State University. She also earned certifications from Harvard University in the Program for Leadership Development and the International Security Defense Program, and completed the Integral Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame.