Today’s leaders face rapid shifts in industry dynamics, talent pipelines and organizational resilience. In this edition of Leadership Links we cover five timely moves that illustrate how top companies are adapting. You’ll read about Boeing’s choice of an insider to steady its Defense, Space & Security arm, and Kering’s bold gamble on an auto industry turnaround artist to revive its luxury houses. Intel’s strategic realignment ahead of a major workforce reduction shows how tech firms balance innovation and cost discipline. Banking giant Barclays reveals how dual Chief Operating Officers can drive efficiency and growth, and sports club Hibernian FC underscores the power of global commercial expertise in fan engagement. Each link delivers practical insights to help you refine your succession planning, operational agility and growth strategies.
Boeing names Stephen Parker CEO of Defense, Space & Security
Boeing has appointed Stephen Parker as the permanent president and CEO of its Defense, Space & Security division. Parker, a 37-year Boeing veteran, served as interim leader since September and will now lead efforts to restore operational discipline after cost overruns on fixed-price contracts and delays in the Starliner program. The company also named Jay Malave from Lockheed Martin as CFO to strengthen financial oversight. This leadership update reflects CEO Kelly Ortberg’s plan to rebuild customer trust and improve productivity in a unit that supports critical defense and space missions.
Luca de Meo selected as CEO of Kering
Luxury conglomerate Kering has chosen Luca de Meo to become CEO starting September 2025. De Meo, who previously turned around Renault, will confront declining sales at Gucci and Saint Laurent, which together fell by as much as 27 percent between 2022 and 2024. Kering faces elevated debt levels and intense competition in its core markets. De Meo’s mandate includes revitalizing brand performance, optimizing operations and strengthening global distribution. His appointment signals a willingness to embrace external leadership experience to navigate the challenging luxury landscape.
Intel restructures as CSO departs ahead of layoffs
Intel’s Chief Strategy Officer Safroadu Yeboah-Amankwah announced his departure as the company prepares to cut up to 20 percent of its workforce. The reductions aim to refocus resources on core chipmaking and accelerate AI innovation under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who joined Intel in March. Intel will eliminate the standalone CSO role and shift strategic functions to the newly created office of the CTO and AI Officer under Sachin Katti. This organizational realignment reflects Intel’s need to streamline decision-making and bolster its competitive position in high-performance computing markets.
Barclays appoints Craig Bright and Anne Marie Darling as co-COOs
Barclays has named Chief Information Officer Craig Bright and Goldman Sachs alum Anne Marie Darling as co-Chief Operating Officers. They replace Alistair Currie and will lead the bank’s effort to cut £2 billion in costs and return £10 billion to shareholders. Bright brings deep experience in technology transformation and risk management while Darling offers expertise in investment banking and capital markets. Their dual appointment supports Barclays’ strategic shift toward higher-margin businesses and underscores the bank’s commitment to operational efficiency.
Hibernian FC hires Dan Barnett as CEO after shock exit
Scottish Premiership club Hibernian FC has appointed Dan Barnett as CEO effective August 1 following the unexpected departure of Ben Kensell in January. Barnett, formerly Commercial Director at Leicester City, has led global sponsorship and event operations at the America’s Cup and UEFA. His hiring aims to strengthen Hibernian’s commercial strategy and fan engagement as the club pursues growth in digital media and international partnerships. The board expects Barnett’s sports business experience to boost revenue streams and enhance the club’s brand presence both domestically and abroad.
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