Walt Braithwaite

Walt W. Braithwaite (born January 1945) is a Jamaican-Born American engineer and former executive at Boeing. He played an integral role in the introduction and use of CAD/CAM and IGES technology at Boeing and in 2000 was named as Boeing's President of Boeing Africa. He has received the Black Engineer of the Year and Pathfinder Awards and the Walt E. Braithwaite Legacy Award is named in his honor.

Early life and education Braithwaite was born in Kingston, Jamaica in January 1945. His father, Ivanhoe Brathwaite, worked as both a laborer and was in sales. His mother, Ivy Braithwaite, worked as a beautician, seamstress, and embroiderer. Braithwaite also had one sister. In 2000 Boeing named Braithwaite President of Boeing Africa, responsible for overseeing corporate activities in the region and acting as an ambassador and liaison between local governments and Boeing divisions in the region. After 36 years with Boeing, Braithwaite retired in 2003 as the highest-ranking black executive in Boeing's history.

During his time at Boeing, Braithwaite was known as a quiet person who listened more than talked. Although he at one time was told by a manager that he needed to be aggressive, this same manager later came to value Braithwaite's knowledge, wisdom, and personal integrity. Braithwaite also created a mentoring program during his time at Boeing.

Personal life Braithwaite volunteered with the YMCA Black Achievers program and is a member of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity.

Accolades

1987 Joseph Marie Jacquard Memorial Award 1995 Black Engineer of the Year Award 1996 History Makers Award in Science and Technology 1998 Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of the West Indies 2017 Pathfinder Award The Walt W. Braithwaite Legacy Award was named after Braithwaite.