If you hadn't gone into the diplomatic corps, what else would you have done?
I could have been a rock ‘n’ roll drummer. I was in a very serious band in high school, or I would have been some sort of journalist. My father was a journalist so I grew up in an environment that was very reading-friendly. In my foreign service career, I spent much of my early years writing reports, building contacts, researching and so on, pretty much like a journalist. A good foreign correspondent is just as hooked in to what is going on as any diplomat.
You served in the US diplomatic service in Tunisia, Pakistan, Singapore and Iran and as US ambassador in Bangkok and Jakarta. What was your most memorable overseas posting?
I arrived in Iran in 1977 in the lead-up to the revolution. I studied Farsi before I went and spent a month living with an Iranian family as part of an immersion programme. Then the political situation deteriorated in Tehran. The overthrow of the Shah took about a year. We had thousands of people surrounding the embassy, crowds chanting “Death to America!” The embassy was ransacked and I was even held hostage for two hours. Nonetheless, it was a rewarding experience. History was unfolding, albeit pretty negatively for us.
Did you find the transition from working for the US government to Boeing difficult?
Not at all. My job is similar in some ways, I need to keep my ear to the ground and to represent the company.
Which country in Asia has had the greatest emotional pull for you?
I had three tours in Thailand (and spent) a total of 11 years there. I speak the language. It’s a fascinating country with a culture that seems totally impenetrable at times. But I dived in and got totally hooked. I also enjoyed Indonesia, there’s a real panoply of cultures there.
What kind of traveller are you?
It depends on what kind of trip. The beauty of this region is that you can get anywhere within a few hours. So that’s easy. I just got back from a quick trip to Bangkok to see THAI Airways that was arranged at very short notice. On the other hand, I can have a 10-day trip taking in four or five countries. You can’t even plan your hotel laundry. I invested in two Tumi cases, which I regard as the Cadillac of luggage, one is a carry-on size, the other is a three- or four-suiter.
What difference will the new-generation Boeing bring?
When we get the B787 out into the airlines, it will offer a different experience for travellers. Boeing calls it a “game changer” and it is very much so in areas such as design. With the increased use
of composites, the 787 will be lighter and simpler. This translates to greater efficiency and reduced emissions. I don’t think in 10 or 20 years people will want to travel in aluminium planes. It will transform the travel experience, I really believe that.
