Song to lead Boeing's defense business in Korea

By Lee Tae-hoon

Boeing has named Joseph Song as vice president and managing director for its defense, space and security business in Korea in line with its efforts to beef up the U.S. airspace-giant’s industrial partnership here, officials said Tuesday.

They said Song will be based in Seoul and focus on strengthening customer relationships and establish new in-country partnerships to support Korea's national security needs.

"Joseph's new assignment demonstrates our commitment to a lasting, positive relationship with the Korean government and with a growing number of in-country Boeing partners and suppliers," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS). "Over the long term, Joseph will work with our Korean and global partners to collaborate on innovative and affordable solutions for Korea, the Asia-Pacific region and beyond."

Pat Gaines, president of Boeing Korea, said Song’s in-depth knowledge of his home country and experience working with the Korean industry will help ensure that his company meets customers' needs.

Previously, Song managed customer relationships in the Asia-Pacific region for BDS International Business Development.

Prior to that, he worked for BDS in Korea and was active in the Korean community; he served as chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Korea Aerospace and Defense Committee. He also served as advisory board member to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)/INSEAD Master of Business Administration program. Song joined Boeing in 1988 as a senior manufacturing engineer and held numerous supplier management and program management positions within the C-17 Globemaster III program, C-130 Avionics Modernization Program and commercial 717 program.

Song earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.