Boeing Taps 3 for Chairman’s Office

Boeing Co. Chairman and Chief Executive Phil Condit expanded the roles of three top executives and elevated them to the chairman’s office, potentially narrowing the field of those likeliest to succeed him.

Chief Financial Officer Mike Sears, Chief Technology Officer David Swain and newly named Chief People and Administration Officer Laurette Koellner were promoted by the world’s biggest aerospace company and commercial jet maker.

Condit said the moves were prompted by three pending retirements--Vice Chairman Harry Stonecipher in June; Jim Dagnon, senior vice president for people, in May; and John Warner, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, in July.

The 60-year-old Condit did not directly answer questions about when he intends to retire. Boeing shares rose $1.48 to $50.88 on the New York Stock Exchange.