Boeing Names Michael Kurth as VP/GM Unmanned Airborne Systems

The Boeing Co. announced that company veteran Michael Kurth will oversee Boeing’s unmanned airborne systems as of Jan. 1.

Kurth, currently managing director of Boeing Defence UK Ltd. (BDUK), will relocate to St. Louis as vice president and general manager of Unmanned Airborne Systems Programs, reporting to Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick.

David Pitchforth, managing director for UK Rotorcraft Support, a division of Boeing Global Services & Support, succeeds Kurth.

Most of the company’s unmanned programs had been part of a Missiles and Unmanned Airborne Systems division. Effective Jan. 1, these programs will stand alone under Kurth. Unmanned Airborne Systems Programs will share functional support, such as finance and legal, with other elements of Boeing Military Aircraft.

Boeing said it wants to reduce its Defense, Space & Security business unit’s costs by another $1.6 billion by the end of 2015, adding to the $2.2 billion it has identified since 2010.

Kurth, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and graduate of the University of Wisconsin, joined Boeing in 1997. Prior to his current position in the UK, he led Business Development for what is today known as the Boeing Phantom Works advanced technology organization.