Patrick Shanahan to Lead Spirit AeroSystems as Interim President, CEO

Wichita, Kansas-based Spirit AeroSystems has named Patrick Shanahan as its interim president and CEO following the resignation of Thomas Gentile. The appointment of Shanahan, a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker and Wash100 winner, took immediate effect, Spirit said.

The company’s board, of which Shanahan is a member, is now searching for a new CEO. Board Chair Robert Johnson said Shanahan will support a smooth transition by utilizing his almost four decades of defense aerospace, commercial and federal leadership experience.

Shanahan noted in a press release that he would work with stakeholders and employees to fulfill commitments, stabilize operations and improve income.

In addition to Spirit, Shanahan sits on the boards of Leidos Holdings, CAE and Zanite Acquisition.

He was formerly involved in policymaking and strategy at the Department of Defense as deputy secretary of defense. Earlier, Shanahan served in various executive roles at Boeing, including as senior vice president of supply chain and operations, SVP of commercial airplane programs and vice president and general manager of the 787 Dreamliner.