US aerospace giant Boeing Company has named Chris Smith as the new Vice President and Managing Director for its defense business in Saudi Arabia to further boost customer relationships and establish new in-country tie-ups.

Smith will be based in Riyadh and focus on ensuring that the best of Boeing and industry are brought to support the Kingdom’s defense and security needs, said a statement from the company.

Smith’s appointment is effective immediately.  He will report to Chris Raymond, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for Boeing Defence, Space & Security (BDS).

“We’re proud of the enduring relationship our company has forged with Saudi over the past 60 years,” Raymond remarked.

“To help ensure many more years of success, Chris’ priority in his new role will be to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction in the Kingdom with the platforms and services we are providing for the government.”

Smith will be working closely with Ahmed Jazzar, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi values long-term relationships and always looks forward for beneficial industry partnerships,” remarked Jazzar.

"The appointment of Chris demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to the Kingdom’s national strategic objectives and the continued development of its aerospace industry.”

Previously, Smith served as Director of Strategic Alliances for BDS’ Global Services & Support business, where he developed strategies and business cases to guide new pursuits, investments and teaming.

Prior to that, he led complex programs for Boeing in the US, Australia and the UK, including the company’s International Homeland Security and Advanced Military Network Centric Systems businesses. Smith joined Boeing in 2001 after serving 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy.

He is a holder of a First Class Honors degree in engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Deakin University.