Boeing creates new unit to monitor ethics: Goal is to keep company following government rules

Boeing creates new unit to monitor ethics
Goal is to keep company following government rules
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHICAGO -- The Boeing Co., stung by the loss of government business after an ethics probe, is creating an internal office to monitor ethics and compliance with government regulations.

Bonnie W. Soodik, a Boeing senior vice president who is president of Shared Services Group, will lead the Office of Internal Governance, the company said Tuesday.

"Creating this key office ... sends an important message throughout the Boeing organization and to all those with whom we do business: that we will conduct ourselves according to the highest standards in every aspect of our business," Boeing president and CEO Phil Condit said in a statement.

In July, the Air Force banned Chicago-based Boeing from bidding on satellite-launching contracts, and the company had seven satellite launches taken away as punishment for using rival Lockheed Martin Co. records to help win a $1.88 billion satellite-launching contract in 1998.

The Air Force has said the suspension will remain in place until the military is satisfied Boeing has changed its ways.

Boeing has claimed in a court filing that it did not engage in racketeering or violate antitrust rules by allegedly using the documents.

Boeing shares fell 51 cents Tuesday to close at $38.32 on the New York Stock Exchange.