W. James McNerney, Jr.

W. James (Jim) McNerney, Jr., "is chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company, effective July 1, 2005. He has served as a member of the company's board since 2001.

"McNerney, 58, oversees the strategic direction of the Chicago-based, $61.5 billion aerospace company. With more than 153,000 employees, Boeing is the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft, with capabilities in rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites and advanced information and communications systems.

"Previously, McNerney held the position as chairman of the board and CEO of 3M, a $20 billion global technology company with leading positions in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office products, health care, safety and other businesses. He joined 3M in 2001 after 19 years at the General Electric Company.

"McNerney joined General Electric in 1982. There, he held top executive positions including president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines and GE Lighting; president of GE Asia-Pacific; president and CEO of GE Electrical Distribution and Control; executive vice president of GE Capital, one of the world's largest financial service companies; and president, GE Information Services.

"Prior to joining GE, McNerney worked at Procter & Gamble and McKinsey & Co., Inc.

"McNerney is a director of Procter & Gamble and serves as a trustee of Northwestern University. He is the chair of the US-China Business Council and The Business Council. He also serves on The Business Roundtable and the American Society of Corporate Executives. McNerney is a fellow at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a member of The Field Museum Board of Trustees in Chicago, and is on the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Board, where he serves on the Finance Committee.

"A native of Providence, R.I., McNerney earned a B.A. degree from Yale University in 1971 and an M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1975."

• Trustee, Northwestern University