Capellupo Named President of McDonnell Aircraft Unit

McDonnell Douglas Corp. named John P. Capellupo--a veteran executive who created a stir last year with his get-tough policies at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach--as president of its McDonnell Aircraft unit in St. Louis.

The embattled aerospace firm said “a decision” about Capellupo’s current position--deputy president of the Long Beach unit--will be announced by May 1.

Capellupo, 56, was responsible for the troubled Air Force C-17 cargo jet program during his tenure in Long Beach. He oversaw sweeping layoffs and cracked down on what he considered complacency among the firm’s work force.

McDonnell Aircraft builds combat aircraft, including the F-15, F-18 and AV-8B fighter jets. Before coming to Long Beach, Capellupo was president of McDonnell Douglas Missile Systems Co. in St. Louis.