Bob Gower, a F/A-18 fighter plane expert, has been named as vice president of Boeing Military Aircraft division in India.
Gower will "expand and manage" the BMA product line in India, including P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, F/A-18IN fighter jets competing for the IAF's 126 MMRCA contract, C-17 transport aircraft to be bought by IAF, Apache attack and Chinook heavylift helicopters.
He will be based out of St Louis in Missouri, US, according to a company press release in New Delhi on Friday.
Vivek Lall, vice president and India country head of Boeing, would continue to be responsible for all Boeing Defence activities in the country and would work closely with Gower in support of BMA activities, the release said.
Prior to taking on the Indian assignment, Gower managed several businesses within BMA. Most recently, he served as vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18 programmes. He also successfully completed development of the EA-18G Growler electronic attack variant, it said.
Previously, as vice president of Tanker programme, Gower was responsible for the technical, cost and schedule performance of the 767 Tanker programme.
He led the programme's start-up, capture of initial international customers, and development of the tanker and associated support.
{{/usCountry}}He led the programme's start-up, capture of initial international customers, and development of the tanker and associated support.
{{/usCountry}}Gower also has served as vice president of Supplier Management Operations for Boeing Defense, Space and Security.
He had earlier served in the US Marine Corps Reserve until 1988, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He serves on the Executive Board of the Greater St Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.