Boeing has appointed a new president and CEO following a reported loss of over $1.4 billion in the second quarter.
Effective Aug. 8, Robert K. “Kelly” Ortberg will assume the position. He will also join Boeing’s board of directors.
Ortberg will take over from David Calhoun, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Calhoun has been Boeing’s president and CEO since January 2020 and a member of the board of directors since 2009.
Having previously served as president and CEO of Rockwell Collins, Ortberg brings over 35 years of aerospace leadership experience.
“The board conducted a rigorous search process to select the next CEO of Boeing, and Kelly’s skills and experience make him the right choice to lead the company forward,” board chair Steven Mollenkopf stated in a press release. “Kelly is a respected leader in the aerospace industry, known for building strong teams and managing complex engineering and manufacturing companies. We are excited to have him lead Boeing into the next chapter.”
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Ortberg expressed his excitement about the new role, saying, “I’m honored and humbled to join this iconic company. Boeing has a rich history as an industry leader and pioneer, and I am dedicated to working with the company’s 170,000 employees to uphold that legacy, prioritizing safety and quality. There is much to be done, and I am eager to begin.”
Ortberg’s arrival at Boeing comes amidst a series of controversies surrounding the company, including plane issues, crashes, and safety concerns.
Upon Ortberg’s appointment, Boeing acknowledged Calhoun’s leadership with gratitude. “The board extends its thanks to Dave Calhoun for his exceptional leadership at Boeing, serving first as Chair and then as CEO during challenging times,” Mollenkopf added.
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