The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company named former University chancellor Sean O’Keefe its chief executive officer Tuesday. EADS is an aerospace international defense company that makes Airbus airplanes among other products.O’Keefe, a former NASA administrator, served as chancellor between 2005 and 2008 and went on to work as vice president of General Electric Aviation’s Washington Operations. His new appointment starts Nov. 1. “O’Keefe’s distinguished career in government, industry and academia provide him with broad expertise and leadership experience,” EADS Chief Executive Officer Louis Gallois said in a news release. “We are pleased he has joined our team and look forward to building on the company’s success as a U.S. government supplier and industrial partner of choice.”EADS’s current chief executive, Ralph Crosby Jr., will step down but keep his position as chairman of the EADS North America board. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the EADS team in expanding its presence in the U.S. defense industry,” O’Keefe said in a news release. “Our focus will continue to be offering the most capable defense and homeland security solutions available, investing in America and its workforce, and performing beyond our customers’ expectations.”—-Contact Kyle Bove at [email protected]