Niel Golightly joined FCA to head up its communications efforts about a year ago, but is now heading to Boeing for a similar role.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.’s top public relations job was left vacant after The Boeing Co. nabbed Niel Golightly as the aerospace company’s senior vice president of Communications, starting Jan. 1, 2020.
Golightly leaves FCA just as it is about to embark on a sweeping merger with French carmaker PSA that is expected to take as long as a year to complete and will create the world’s fourth-largest automaker.
No one has been named to replace Golightly who took over the FCA job after an extensive search by the automaker.
(FCA, PSA formally lock merger into place)
Golightly joined FCA last December was responsible for developing and implementing FCA’s overarching corporate communications strategy, overseeing media relations, leadership and employee communications, and working alongside the company’s CEO and leadership team.
However, Boeing is in the midst of its own transitional period. Golightly takes over the job as Boeing is going through turmoil created by the crisis surrounding the failure of 737 MAX and inability of a space shuttle the company built to make a planned rendezvous with a space station orbiting 257 miles above the earth.
FCA CEO Mike Manley added two new executives from outside the automotive industry last December. One is now leaving for Boeing.
Boeing’s CEO resigned by the failed rendezvous in space, leading to a broad re-shuffling of the company’s executive staff. He succeeds Anne Toulouse, who previously announced her plans to retire in early 2020.
(FCA adds two new executives to company’s top ranks)
Golightly, 61, will report to interim CEO Greg Smith initially, and then to President and CEO David Calhoun from Jan. 13 onward. Golightly will serve on the company’s executive council and be based in Chicago.
“Niel is a world-class communications professional with deep knowledge, expertise and relationships acquired over an accomplished career in both the private and public sectors,” said Smith.
“Importantly, he shares our values of safety, quality and integrity, and as a former Navy fighter pilot, Niel brings a deep passion for aerospace and Boeing’s mission. We are excited to welcome Niel to the team as we work together to safely return the 737 MAX to service, restore trust with our key stakeholders around the globe, and continue to build our future.”
(FCA hit with series of class-action suits over bribery charges)
Golightly has 25 years of communications and strategy experience, holding leadership roles with a number of large, global industrial companies including FCA, Royal Dutch Shell and Ford Motor Co. Prior to his corporate experience, Golightly served for 14 years in the U.S. Navy, including as a fighter pilot and as speechwriter to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.