Boeing’s board has officially announced the appointment of Robert K. Ortberg as the next chief executive of the aerospace giant. Ortberg, widely known as Kelly, brings with him a wealth of experience in the aerospace industry, having served as the former CEO of Rockwell Collins.
Ortberg, 64, is set to take on the role on August 8th, amidst a challenging period for Boeing as it navigates through a crisis triggered by a recent incident involving a panel detaching from a 737 Max plane in January. He will be tasked with leading the company through significant cultural changes, finalizing the acquisition of key suppliers, strengthening Boeing’s supply chain, and driving forward the development of its next-generation aircraft.
With a background in mechanical engineering, Ortberg began his career at Texas Instruments before joining Rockwell Collins in 1987. During his tenure at Rockwell, he played a pivotal role in the development of aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. His leadership and expertise have earned him a stellar reputation within the industry.
Steven Mollenkopf, Chairman of Boeing’s board, expressed confidence in Ortberg’s abilities, stating, “Kelly is an experienced leader with a strong track record of building successful teams and managing complex engineering and manufacturing organizations. We are excited to collaborate with him as Boeing charts its course through this critical juncture.”
Boeing has been in search of a new CEO since March, following Dave Calhoun’s decision to step down. Calhoun took the helm in 2020 in the aftermath of two tragic crashes involving the 737 Max 8, which led to a global grounding of the aircraft. The company has since implemented numerous changes, including enhanced safety measures and increased oversight of its operations.
In a significant development, Boeing recently reached a settlement with the Justice Department over the Max 8 crashes, agreeing to plead guilty to a federal charge. As part of the agreement, an independent compliance monitor will be appointed to oversee Boeing’s operations moving forward.
