Kelly Ortberg, a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in the aerospace industry, has been named the new president and CEO of Boeing, succeeding Dave Calhoun. Ortberg started his career as an engineer at Texas Instruments in the early 1980s and later joined Rockwell Collins in 1987, where he eventually became president and CEO in 2013. He led Rockwell Collins through its integration with United Technologies and RTX before retiring in 2021.
Steven Mollenkopf, Chair of the Board at Boeing, praised Ortberg as an experienced leader with a strong reputation for building successful teams and running complex engineering and manufacturing companies. Ortberg’s appointment comes after Calhoun announced his retirement in March. Calhoun took over as CEO of Boeing during a turbulent period when the company was dealing with the aftermath of two fatal crashes involving the 737 Max 8. His mission was to stabilize the company and restore confidence in the brand.
Calhoun’s tenure at Boeing was not without controversy, and his retirement was part of a series of senior personnel changes following an onboard incident on an Alaska Airlines plane in January. His predecessor, Dennis Muilenburg, was ousted due to issues with the 737 Max rollout, which drew criticism from lawmakers. An employee testified to Congress that Boeing had ignored safety concerns during the plane’s development. These incidents have put pressure on Boeing to improve its processes and rebuild trust with regulators and customers.
In addition to the leadership changes at Boeing, the airline sector stock index performance year-to-date is being closely monitored. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) tracks the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies, including airlines, with a combined worth of over a trillion dollars. The index includes network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies. Investors and industry experts are watching the performance of these companies as they navigate the challenges posed by the global pandemic and changing travel trends.
Overall, Kelly Ortberg’s appointment as the new CEO of Boeing marks a significant change in leadership for the aerospace giant. With his extensive experience and track record of success in the industry, Ortberg is poised to lead Boeing through a pivotal period in its history. The company will need to address ongoing challenges related to safety, regulatory compliance, and market competition while also driving innovation and growth. The airline sector as a whole is facing uncertainty and volatility, making it crucial for industry leaders like Ortberg to navigate the complexities of the market successfully.
