Barkeley Will Replace Booth at Ducommun

Ducommun--the oldest continuously operated company in Southern California--on Tuesday appointed its third president in as many years.

Norman A. Barkeley, 58, the former chairman of Lear Siegler Inc. and currently a Ducommun board member, will become president of the aerospace and electronics firm effective July 1. Barkeley replaces Wallace W. Booth, who will remain as the company’s chairman.

“Barkeley is a seasoned veteran of the aerospace industry,” Booth said in a prepared statement. “I am delighted that Ducommun has been able to attract a person with his outstanding qualifications and experience to assume the responsibilities of president and chief executive officer.”

Barkeley declined to comment, saying he would withhold any remarks until he officially becomes president in about two months. “I feel that it is only proper to continue a passive role until that time,” Barkeley said.

The announcement comes after two years of management and strategic changes that have drastically altered the face of the company.

Booth has forced out two former presidents and heir apparents. David G. Schmidt resigned as president in January, 1986, only one year after he took the job. His replacement, W. Donald Bell, was forced out in April, 1987, following unexpectedly high losses. Booth has been serving as president since then.

Meanwhile, the company had been increasing its focus on the high-tech business, buying up electronic manufacturers and distributors. In mid-1986, the firm moved its headquarters from downtown Los Angeles to the Orange County city of Cypress, where it had consolidated its electronic operations.

But the company moved full-steam into the electronics business just as intense competition was forcing manufacturers industrywide to cut prices and reduce profits. After suffering a string of quarterly losses, Ducommun sold off most of its financially struggling electronics divisions in September, 1987.

The firm also recently moved its headquarters staff to offices in the City of Commerce.