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The Top-Side Aviation Club’s “Boss of the Year” recognition for 2009 is presented to EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. (at left) by club President Darlene Gann and Alabama Congressman Jo Bonner. |
Crosby was designated by the Top-Side Aviation Club for his management excellence at EADS North America, which has become a leading U.S. military supplier and major industrial partner since his appointment as Chairman and CEO in 2002.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the Top-Side Club, whose members work in key front-office positions at our industry’s leading companies, as well as within the highest levels of government,” Crosby said. “These unique professionals play a critical role in the success of their organizations and executives.”
The Top-Side Aviation Club was formed in 1954, and its diverse membership has included representatives from numerous industry companies, as well as staff members from the White House, Congress, and the executive branch of government.
Since the award’s inception in 1964, the “Boss of the Year” honor has been presented to government officials and aviation executives that have included Sen. John Warner; Gen. Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff; Caspar Weinberger, former Secretary of Defense; Gen. Paul X. Kelly, former Commandant of the Marine Corps; and Norm Augustine, former chairman and CEO of the Lockheed Martin Corp.
Crosby has a distinguished industry and military career, and his current management role as EADS North America CEO places him at the head of EADS activities in the United States including the development of new business opportunities as a prime contractor, and establishing strategic partnerships with U.S. companies.
Under Crosby’s leadership, the company became prime contractor for the U.S. Army’s UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter, and is the principal industrial partner for Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker offering to the U.S. Air Force. EADS North America also has established a significant U.S. industrial footprint, with its facilities and operations creating high-value employment and contributing to the economic development of 17 states.
Prior to joining EADS North America, Crosby was President of the Integrated Systems Sector of Northrop Grumman Corporation, a position he held since establishing the sector in 1998. Prior to that role, Crosby was Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the company’s Commercial Aircraft Division and Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the B-2 Division.
Joining Northrop Grumman in 1981 as Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Technology, Crosby was named Executive Director of the company’s Washington office in 1983. From there, he held numerous positions within Northrop Grumman. In April 1996, Crosby became the Deputy General Manager of the Commercial Aircraft Division and was named General Manager in September 1996.
Before his industry career, Crosby served as an officer in the U.S. Army with duty in Germany, Vietnam and the United States. In his last assignment, Crosby was the Military Staff Assistant to the Vice President of the United States.
About EADS North America
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.
