Boeing has named Kim Smith as vice president of Boeing environment, health and safety.

In the new role, Smith will be responsible for leading Boeing’s ongoing effort to reduce the environmental footprint of its global operations, products and services.

In addition, she leads the company’s workplace safety programs.

Smith will report to John Tracy, Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice president of engineering, operations & technology.

Smith, 37, succeeds Mary Armstrong, who has announced her retirement after 27 years with Boeing.

Armstrong will continue with the company through February to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Smith brings a wide range of manufacturing, engineering and supplier management experience and leadership to the Boeing leadership role, Tracy said.

“Kim is uniquely suited to build upon Boeing’s record of progressive environmental and safety strategies and performance that Mary Armstrong and her team have delivered over the past five years,” said Tracy.

“She is the right person to drive continued improvements in these areas throughout Boeing and our supply chain.”

Since 2007, when the Environment Health and Safety group was formed under Armstrong, the number of Boeing International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001 certified sites has grown from two to 35; its Carbon Disclosure Project Index score on climate change awareness and reporting has improved from 35 to 92; the company is the highest ranked company in the capital goods sector of the Newsweek Green Rankings at 37; and the company has steadily improved its employee safety record.

“Mary has helped Boeing push the envelope in leading the aerospace manufacturing industry in setting measurable goals for reducing our global environmental footprint and driving injuries out of the workplace,” added Tracy.

“She brought discipline and rigor to our EHS organization, and Boeing and the aerospace industry are in a better place in this critical area because of her leadership.”