Bombardier shuffles leaders again as business-jet chief replaced

[NEW YORK] Bombardier Inc replaced the head of the business-jet unit in the latest executive change at the struggling Canadian planemaker.

David Coleal was named president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, replacing Eric Martel, who left "to pursue other career opportunities," the company said in a statement Monday. Mr Coleal previously served as executive vice president and general manager of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc and in executive positions with Bombardier's Learjet business.

"Throughout his outstanding career in the manufacturing and aerospace sectors, David Coleal has always focused on delighting customers and driving performance," Alain Bellemare, who joined Bombardier as chief executive officer in February, said in the statement.

Bombardier also hired Jean-Paul Pellissier as a special advisor to review the company's supply chain.

Last month, the Montreal-based planemaker brought in a new leader for its commercial aircraft business and announced plans to hire a replacement for retiring Chief Financial Officer Pierre Alary as Bellemare looks to reverse Bombardier's slide. The company's forthcoming CSeries commercial jet is more than two years late and US$2 billion over budget, while its widely traded Class B shares have tumbled 35 per cent this year.

BLOOMBERG