Mike Kurth is to lead Boeing's unmanned airborne systems programs as vice president and general manager

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has appointed Michael Kurth, currently managing director of the U.K. defense business, to lead unmanned airborne systems programs as vice president and general manager.

The company said Kurth will be succeeded in his current position by David Pitchforth, managing director for the U.K. rotorcraft support division.

As part of a realignment taking effect January 1, unmanned programs will stand alone under Kurth with that segment’s senior management continuing to report to Chris Chadwick, president of military aircraft.

David Pitchforth, Boeing's managing director of the U.K. defense business

Chadwick credited Kurth with developing customer relationships and opening new markets for Boeing’s products.

Kurth joined the company in 1997 and has led business development for Boeing’s Phantom Works.

In his new position, Pitchforth will work with Boeing UK President Sir Roger Bone and oversee products and services that support the U.K. Ministry of Defence and U.S. military programs.

Pitchforth joined the company in January 2009 and has since been responsible for coordinating rotorcraft support activities and business development in the country.

Before joining Boeing, he served as senior vice president for AgustaWestland’s U.K. government business unit.

Prior to that, he served as managing director and chairman of the Jaguar Racing Formula 1 team until March 2005.