Boeing Leadership Shake-up Amid Continuous Challenges and Setbacks
Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, is witnessing significant changes in its executive team. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has announced his intention to step down from the position by the end of the year [1]. In addition, Larry Kellner, the chairman of Boeing, will not stand for re-election to the board. He will be succeeded by board member Steve Mollenkopf. Furthermore, Stan Deal, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, is retiring, with Stephanie Pope, the chief operating officer of that unit, taking his place effectively from the start [2].
Background: Boeing’s Struggles and Setbacks
Boeing has faced a tumultuous period over the past five-plus years, plagued by various challenges with its aircraft. Most notably, two tragic crashes of the 737 Max in 2018 and 2019 claimed the lives of 346 people [3]. More recently, a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max in January 2023, leaving a significant hole on the side of the plane [4]. These incidents led to numerous safety-related groundings and amassed losses totaling over $31 billion [5].
The Unfolding Saga: A Look at the Events
Calhoun, who joined Boeing in 2019 to help steer the company through its crisis following the 737 Max crashes, is now departing. He acknowledged that his tenure at Boeing had not gone as planned [1]. Kellner, the outgoing chairman, was appointed in 2020 to fill the role on an interim basis after Dennis Muilenburg’s departure. However, he will no longer stand for re-election to the board [2].
To fill the void left by Kellner, Steve Mollenkopf has been elected as the new chairman. Meanwhile, Stan Deal is retiring from his position as CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes [2]. Effective immediately, Stephanie Pope will take over the role.
The Road Ahead: Boeing’s Next Chapter
As Boeing faces a new chapter with a leadership reshuffle, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the company. With ongoing challenges and setbacks, Calhoun’s departure marks a critical juncture for Boeing as it navigates its way forward in the competitive aerospace industry.
[1] Dave Calhoun to leave Boeing by end of 2023, CNBC ()
[2] Boeing’s Larry Kellner to step down as chairman, Reuters (/)
[3] Boeing 737 Max crashes: Timeline of events, BBC ()
[4] Alaska Airlines 737 Max: Door incident leaves plane with hole, BBC ()
[5] Boeing 737 Max: The cost of the crashes, BBC ()
