Boeing Appoints Golightly to Lead Communications
December 24, 2019 | BoeingEstimated reading time: 1 minute

The Boeing Company has named Niel Golightly as the company's senior vice president of Communications, effective Jan. 1, 2020. He succeeds Anne Toulouse, who previously announced her plans to retire in early 2020.
Golightly, 61, will report to interim CEO Greg Smith initially, and then to President and CEO David Calhoun from Jan. 13 onward. Golightly will serve on the company's executive council and be based in Chicago.
"Niel is a world-class communications professional with deep knowledge, expertise and relationships acquired over an accomplished career in both the private and public sectors," said Smith. "Importantly, he shares our values of safety, quality and integrity, and as a former Navy fighter pilot, Niel brings a deep passion for aerospace and Boeing's mission. We are excited to welcome Niel to the team as we work together to safely return the 737 MAX to service, restore trust with our key stakeholders around the globe, and continue to build our future."
Golightly joins Boeing from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), where since 2018 he served as global chief communications officer. In that role he was responsible for developing and implementing FCA's overarching corporate communications strategy, overseeing media relations, leadership and employee communications, and working alongside the company's CEO and leadership team.
Golightly has 25 years of communications and strategy experience, holding leadership roles with a number of large, global industrial companies including FCA, Royal Dutch Shell and Ford Motor Company. Prior to his corporate experience, Golightly served for 14 years in the U.S. Navy, including as a fighter pilot and as speechwriter to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
He received a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Cornell University and later studied at the University of Konstanz in Germany as a Navy Olmsted Scholar.
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/27/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Tin Whisker Mitigation in Aerospace Applications, Part 3
06/25/2025 | Nash Bell -- Column: Knocking Down the Bone PileTin whiskers are slender, hair-like metallic growths that can develop on the surface of tin-plated electronic components. Typically measuring a few micrometers in diameter and growing several millimeters in length, they form through an electrochemical process influenced by environmental factors such as temperature variations, mechanical or compressive stress, and the aging of solder alloys.
RTX, the Singapore Economic Development Board Sign MOU Outlining 10-year Growth Roadmap
06/20/2025 | RTXRTX and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which outlines a 10-year roadmap to further long-term strategic collaboration in Singapore.
Indra Signs Agreement with AXISCADES to Boost Production of Cutting-Edge Systems in India
06/18/2025 | PRNewswireParis Air Show -- Indra and the Indian technology company AXISCADES have signed an agreement to collaborate on the production of solutions for the aerospace and defense markets.
GKN Aerospace Delivers First High Voltage EWIS System for Clean Aviation’s SWITCH Project
06/16/2025 | GKN AerospaceGKN Aerospace has completed and delivered the first high voltage Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for the Clean Aviation SWITCH project.