Boeing Co. Chief Financial Officer James A. Bell, 56, has temporarily landed the top spot at the aviation company, serving as acting CEO. Bell was promoted after CEO Harry Stonecipher was forced out in March after an anonymous tip lead to the discovery of an affair he had with a female company executive. The company has said that Bell is not a candidate for the permanent job and will only serve as CEO until a successor is found. — NMR
In a move to expand its capital markets operations, Cleveland-based SBK-Brooks Investment Corp. (No. 9 on the BE INVESTMENT BANKS list with $31.5 million in total managed issues) has opened a New York office. The company hired eight former staffers of Ormes Capital Markets Inc. (No. 8 on the BE INVESTMENT BANKS list with $38.6 million in total managed issues). Ormes Capital went out of business in December 2004. “In capital markets, New York is still the center of the universe,” SBK-Brooks CEO Eric Small says. “And in this case we have the advantage of being able to tap into existing operations.” — Philana Patterson
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. taps Carol H. Williams Advertising to integrate a distinct African American voice into their advertising. CHW (No. 2 on the BE ADVERTISING AGENCIES list with $300 million in billings) announced in December that it will handle advertising and marketing campaigns and provide consulting on multicultural marketing plans for the hotel franchiser. Starwood has more than 750 properties worldwide and owns and operates several brands including Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, and Westin. “It’s a great deal,” says Deirdre Haizlip, CHW group account director, who was tightlipped about how much CHW will make on the account. — Aisha Jefferson