Boeing today announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Robert K. “Kelly” Ortberg as the new president and chief executive officer, effective August 8, 2024. Ortberg will also join Boeing’s Board of Directors. He succeeds Dave Calhoun, who will retire after a distinguished tenure leading the aerospace giant through some of its most challenging times.
A New Era of Leadership
“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,” said Steven Mollenkopf, Chair of the Board.
“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.”
Ortberg’s Track Record
Ortberg, 64, brings over 35 years of aerospace leadership to Boeing. His career began in 1983 as an engineer at Texas Instruments, before he joined Rockwell Collins in 1987 as a program manager. He ascended through the ranks to become president and CEO of Rockwell Collins in 2013. During his tenure, Ortberg successfully navigated the company through its integration with United Technologies, eventually becoming part of RTX, where he continued to play a pivotal role until his retirement in 2021. Ortberg also brings a wealth of experience from his service on the Boards of Directors of RTX and Aptiv PLC, and his past leadership as Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Board of Governors.
“I’m extremely honored and humbled to join this iconic company,” Ortberg said.
“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.”
Dave Calhoun’s Legacy
The announcement also marks the end of Dave Calhoun’s tenure as CEO, a role he assumed in January 2020. Calhoun, who had been on Boeing’s Board of Directors since 2009, played a crucial role in stabilizing the company during a period marked by the 737 MAX grounding, the global pandemic, and significant production and supply chain challenges. His tenure has been troubled by quality and safety concerned after a string of incidents that put a negative spotlight on the company and its culture.
“The Board would 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,” Mollenkopf added.
Boeing’s Path Forward
Boeing’s leadership transition comes at a pivotal time. The company continues to recover and grow after the setbacks of the past few years. The aviation giant is not only focusing on ramping up production and deliveries, restoring its reputation as a leader of industry but also pushing forward with innovations such as the development of sustainable aviation fuel and next-generation aircraft.
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