Bombardier restructures leadership team as part of forward-looking growth strategy

Bombardier CEO Éric Martel recently announced strategic leadership changes designed to build on Bombardier’s forward momentum in defense, services, continuous product improvement, and next-generation manufacturing processes. 

“Our leadership team members are talented and have delivered on commitments time and again these past years,” said Martel. “This new alignment will further build upon the foundations they have successfully set for Bombardier.” 

Effective Feb. 20, the following changes will take effect: 

Jean-Christophe Gallagher is appointed Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales & Bombardier Defense. Gallagher will lead all aspects of Bombardier’s growing defense business and will also oversee the company’s talented sales team.  

Paul Sislian is appointed Executive Vice President, Bombardier Aftermarket Services and Strategy. His priority will be to accelerate the aftermarket division’s strategic growth – a journey that saw Bombardier inaugurate four newly built or expanded maintenance facilities in 2022. 

David Murray will lead all aerostructures, assembly and completions activities, in addition to his current mandates. In his new role as Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Excellence System (BOE), he will work to align these functions and enable a new focus on next-generation digital technologies. 

Éric Filion is returning to Bombardier after a stint at Hydro-Québec. In his newly created role of Executive Vice President, Programs and Supply Chain, he will oversee all Bombardier supplier relationships and lead continuous, competitive improvement efforts for all in-production Bombardier aircraft.  

Finally, as Michel Ouellette prepares for retirement at the end of June 2023, he will wrap up his 33-year career at Bombardier as Executive Vice President of Engineering and Product Development. His key accomplishments to date include the successful certification of the Global 7500 and subsequent launch of Bombardier’s Global 8000 flagship aircraft. 

All other Bombardier leadership team members will continue in their existing roles. 

As the company renews its focus on long-term growth and optimization strategies, Martel said now is the time for strategic change. 

“Bombardier has successfully embarked on its journey as a company focused on its world-class business jet portfolio,” he concluded. “As we continue to meet or exceed targets, it is the right time to thoughtfully reshape key leadership functions to ensure the solid foundation we have set fully carries our momentum well into the future.”