SEATTLE, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Boeing ( BA ) CEO Kelly

Ortberg has tapped Ann Schmidt to be chief communications and

brand officer. It is the latest executive appointment since

Ortberg took over as chief executive in August. He announced her

appointment on Monday in a memo to employees viewed by Reuters.

Schmidt has been the interim head of communications since

her predecessor, Brian Besanceney, retired on Oct. 1. In the

past five years, several crises - two fatal crashes, safety and

quality lapses, criminal investigations, huge financial losses

and a seven-week-long strike - have tarnished the company's

legacy.