ISTAT Jetrader - Autumn 2022 - 14

PERSPECTIVES
Diana Barr
Head of Global Executive Staffing, Boeing
Jetrader spoke to Diana Barr about her
current role at Boeing, talent retention in the
aviation industry, and diversity and inclusion
in recruitment.
Jetrader: Tell me about your career
and the different positions you have
had prior to assuming your position
at Boeing. Any career highlights or
learning experiences you might want
to share?
Diana Barr (DB): Early in my career,
I was an HR generalist with Marriott
International, which is a terrific
company to hone HR skills. When I
was exposed to executive staffing, I
developed a passion for it. Eventually,
I focused on executive recruiting by
working at several top search firms
where I supported CEO, direct reports
to CEO and board of director level
assignments. Later, I had the privilege
to work in private equity and for
Grainger, a global industrial supplier and
e-commerce company. At the last two
organizations, I developed a proficiency
in the design and implementation of inhouse
search models.
It was the knowledge of creating inhouse
search models along with my love
for aviation that brought me to Boeing.
One of my highlights with The Boeing
Company has been creating an internal
executive search function from the
ground up. This was significant because
it was during one of the most challenging
times in the company's history. Another
impactful initiative I had the opportunity
to lead was the design and execution of
a comprehensive global succession plan
14 * THE OF F I C I AL PUBL I CAT I ON OF ISTAT
and talent pipeline for senior leadership
and other mission-critical roles.
Jetrader: What does your current
role at Boeing entail?
DB: My responsibilities include the
executive staffing for the Boeing
enterprise. We execute searches
internally, and we select and manage
our external search firm relationships.
In doing so, I serve as partner and
adviser to our leadership on executive
talent acquisition, talent management,
executive compensation, assessments,
selection, staffing, diversity, referencing
and succession planning. Additionally,
I am an active member of the
Communications Employment Branding
Advisory Board, which enables me to
communicate through social media and
other channels toward employment
branding. I also function as a company
ambassador by attending global aviation
and defense shows, and community
affairs events to develop and maintain
relationships with external talent.
Jetrader: ISTAT focuses on Boeing
Commercial, but the more profitable
part of Boeing these days is
its military business. Does this
compromise talent retention in the
commercial business?
DB: Our teams, across all businesses,
create powerful products, technologies
ISTAT Jetrader - Autumn 2022

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