Source: Boeing
Boeing has named Robert K. Ortberg, the former head of the aerospace company Rockwell Collins, a new president and chief executive officer.
Ortberg will replace the current CEO Dave Calhoun. The appointment is effective starting August 8, coming amidst the air manufacturer’s production issues after the midair blowout incident in March. It took place during a flight of a Boeing 737 Max 9 plane and drew the attention of regulators.
“I’m extremely honored and humbled to join this iconic company. Boeing has a tremendous and rich history as a leader and pioneer in our industry, and I’m committed to working together with the more than 170,000 dedicated employees of the company to continue that tradition, with safety and quality at the forefront. There is much work to be done, and I’m looking forward to getting started,” Ortberg was quoted as saying in a company statement.
Separately, Steven Mollenkopf, Chair of the Board, said:
“The Board conducted a thorough and extensive search process over the last several months to select the next CEO of Boeing and Kelly has the right skills and experience to lead Boeing in its next chapter.
“Kelly is an experienced leader who is deeply respected in the aerospace industry, with a well-earned reputation for building strong teams and running complex engineering and manufacturing companies. We look forward to working with him as he leads Boeing through this consequential period in its long history.
“The Board would also like to thank Dave Calhoun for his strong leadership at Boeing, first as Chair and then as CEO, when he stepped in to steer the company through the challenges of recent years.”
The door panel blowout is not the only issue Ortberg is set to resolve to stabilize the business. Other matters include 2018 and 2019 fatal Boeing plane crashes and relevant criminal cases, as well as a $1.4 billion loss in the company’s net profit in the second quarter, reported separately, among others.
