David joined Boeing in January 2009 as managing director for Boeing’s UK Rotorcraft Support business. Responsible for coordinating the company’s rotorcraft support activities and business development in the UK, Pitchforth was the single customer interface for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in this area of Boeing’s UK business.
Before joining Boeing, Pitchforth was senior vice president, UK Government Business Unit and Westland Helicopters transformation director for AgustaWestland, now Leonardo Helicopters. Along with the set-up and lead for all business with the MOD and other government agencies, David was responsible for AgustaWestland’s transformation associated with the defence industrial strategy and strategic partnering between the company and the MOD.
Until March 2005 Pitchforth was managing director and chairman of Jaguar Racing Formula-1 team, a role that he undertook at the request of Ford Motor Company.
Originally from Yorkshire, England, Pitchforth spent the first 15 years of his career in Europe and North America’s automotive transportation industries working with turbochargers and high-speed fans for a tier-1 equipment, research, and technology supplier.