Black will oversee “shaping the industrial footprint for Boeing’s next commercial jet”, Boeing commercial CEO Stephanie Pope says in an internal message.
Sean Black, the former leader of Boeing’s recently acquired Wichita manufacturing site, will oversee aircraft design and production system development for the company’s next commercial aircraft.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) chief executive Stephanie Pope disclosed the news in a 9 September message to employees, revealing that Black will play a central role in shaping the next aircraft Boeing brings to market.
Pope describes Boeing as increasingly focused on what comes next.
“As we ramp up airplane production and move closer to certifying key development programmes, we are building real momentum for Boeing’s recovery,” Pope’s message says. “This progress enables us to focus strategically on the future and set Boeing up for long-term success.”
Boeing in August passed a major milestone when the Federal Aviation Administration certificated the 737 Max 7. The company expects to have its Max 10 certificated before year-end and is making progress with the 777-9’s approval.
Amid that work, Boeing’s strategy for its next commercial aircraft has remained mysterious. Chief executive Kelly Ortberg has insisted the company needs stability and recovery before moving forward, and Boeing and competitor Airbus are widely expected to bring new narrowbody jets to market in the mid-to-late 2030s.
In her 9 September message, Pope says Black “will step into the role of vice-president of BCA future production system”.
The change is already effective, Boeing confirms.
“Sean will be instrumental in shaping the industrial blueprint for Boeing’s next commercial jet,” she says. “By developing the production system alongside the airplane design, Sean will help ensure a seamless transition from engineering to manufacturing.”
Black will report to Boeing vice-president of product development Brian Yutko.
An engineer by training, Black has worked in the aerospace industry for nearly three decades and had since December 2025 been vice-president and general manager of Boeing Wichita.
Boeing acquired that site, which produces 737 fuselages and other components found on Boeing jets, in December 2025 as part of its purchase of Spirit AeroSystems.
Black had joined Spirit in 2016 and held positions there including chief technology officer and chief engineer, according to his LinkedIn page.
Earlier, Black worked 11 years at Airbus, including as senior director in charge of US management for the A350 programme. Before that, Black worked at BAE Systems.
“Sean has an impressive depth of experience in large airplane programmes, production system design, technology development and industrialisation,” Pope says.
Shakira Pastrana-Naumann has succeeded Black as leader of Boeing Wichita, Pope’s message adds. Pastrana-Naumann had previously been BCA fabrication vice-president, heading the company’s global fabrication operation.
“Under her leadership, our fabrication division has stabilised and met production requirements for airplane components and assemblies,” Pope says.
Mick Sorrenson, previously vice-president of composites and manufacturing within BCA’s fabrication business, has succeeded Pastrana-Naumann as fabrication vice-president.
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