Boeing has announced the death of Darren Edwards, the vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia (BDA).
Edwards passed away Sunday at the age of 51. The cause of death has not been determined.
He is survived by his wife Kris and their two sons.
“Darren was not just a talented leader who helped transform Boeing’s defence business in Australia, he was a respected and trusted colleague and mentor to countless people inside and outside the company,” Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said.
“The global Boeing team mourns the loss of Darren, a smart, warm and funny individual who is best remembered as a husband and father, a veteran, and a friend.”
Edwards was appointed vice president and managing director of BDA in February 2017. He joined Boeing in 2000 where he held a series of leadership roles in the US and Australia that spanned human resources, supply chain management, and operations. From 2015 to his 2017 appointment leading BDA, Edwards was the general manager Australia & NZ for Salentis.
From 1986 to 2000, Edwards was an Australian Army Officer where he held numerous command and logistic appointments.
“The career of integrity and honour that Darren forged from his beginnings in the Australian Army straight through his time at Boeing demonstrated his unwavering commitment to those in uniform and ensuring that they have what they need to protect and defend Australia and its allies,” Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services, said.
Edwards held degrees from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and UNSW, and was a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Boeing has named Scott Carpendale as acting vice president and managing director for BDA.
The team here at ADM extend our deepest sympathies to Darren's family, friends and colleagues, and to all those who knew and worked with him through the years.
