McNerney oversees the strategic direction of the Chicago-based, $61.5 billion aerospace company. With more than 153,000 employees, Boeing is the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft, with capabilities in rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites and advanced information and communications systems. From 2001 to 2005, McNerney held the position as chairman of the board and CEO of 3M, a $20 billion global technology company with leading positions in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office products, health care, safety and other businesses.
McNerney joined General Electric in 1982. There, he held top executive positions including president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines and GE Lighting; president of GE Asia-Pacific; president and CEO of GE Electrical Distribution and Control; executive vice president of GE Capital, one of the world's largest financial service companies; and president of GE Information Services. McNerney competed with Bob Nardelli and Jeff Immelt to succeed the retiring Jack Welch as chairman and CEO of General Electric. When Immelt won the three-way succession race, McNerney and Nardelli left GE (as was Welch's plan). Before joining GE, McNerney worked as a management consultant at McKinsey from 1978 to 1982.
In his spare time McNerney enjoys sailing with his family, golfing, and watching hockey, one of his favorite sports, on television.
Procter & Gamble, 1975–1978, brand manager; McKinsey & Company, 1978–1982, senior manager; GE Mobile Communications, 1982–1988, general manager; GE Information Services, 1988–1989, president; GE Financial Services and GE Capital, 1989–1991, executive vice president; GE Electrical Distribution and Control, 1991–1992, president and chief executive officer; GE Asia-Pacific, 1993–1995, president; GE Lighting, 1995–1997, president; GE Aircraft Engines, 1997–2000, president and chief executive officer; 3M, 2000–2005, chairman and chief executive officer. 2005- CEO of The Boeing Company.