Peacock to head Boeing in Australia


Peacock (l) never made it to prime minister but is known for roles as foreign minister and as ambassador to the United States

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Former Australian politician and foreign minister Andrew Peacock has been named to the new post of president of Boeing Australia.

Boeing, the world's largest aircraft maker, said Monday in Chicago that Peacock will coordinate all of the company's activities in Australia from a new corporate headquarters in Sydney.

Peacock, 62, was Australia's ambassador to the United States from 1997 until early 2000. He also served as a member of Australia's parliament, representing the Liberal Party from 1966 to 1994.

He was long regarded as the shining star of the Liberal Party, leading it twice as the opposition. But he was never able to take it to victory and quit parliament in 1994.

'Years of accomplishment'

Though Peacock did not make it to prime minister, he was well known as Australia's foreign minister from 1975-80. He also served as army minister, industry & commerce minister and industrial relations minister.

"Andrew Peacock brings years of accomplishment to Boeing," Boeing chairman and chief executive Phil Condit said.

"His familiarity with Australian business and government protocols, as well as the American business environment, will enhance our relationships and presence in Australia."

Since leaving public office, Peacock has led his own international consulting firm, Boeing said.

Boeing employs about 3,000 people in Australia.

"We have a high-caliber work force in Australia involved in aerocomponent manufacturing, high-level defense communications systems and military aerospace support services," Condit said.