Leadership Changes In Boeing to restore confidence in the Company

Boeing’s current Chairman David L. Calhoun has been named by its Board of Directors as the Chief Executive Officer and President effective 13 January 2020 while remaining a member of the Board. Board member Lawrence W. Kellner will become the non-executive Chairman of the Board effective immediately.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased that Dave has agreed to lead Boeing at this critical juncture. Dave has deep industry experience and a proven track record of strong leadership, and he recognizes the challenges we must confront. The Board and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the Boeing team to ensure that today marks a new way forward for our company.” 

Lawrence W. Kellner, newly Boeing-appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board

Dennis A. Mullenburg has resigned from his positions as Chief Executive Officer and Board director effective immediately. Greg Smith, Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer serves as an interim CEO during the brief transition period, while Mr. Calhoun exits his non-Boeing commitments.

This move is necessary to restore confidence in the Company moving forward as it works to repair relationships with regulators, customers and all other stakeholders. Boeing will operate with a renewed commitment to full transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA, other global regulators and its customers.

“I strongly believe in the future of Boeing and the 737 MAX. I am honoured to lead this great company and the 150,000 dedicated employees who are working hard to create the future of aviation.”

David L. Calhoun, New Boeing President and CEO effective 13 January 2020

Just a week before, Boeing mentioned that returning 737 MAX to service is the company’s top priority. Throughout the grounding of the 737 MAX, Boeing has continued to build new airplanes with approximately 400 in storage. Boeing will continually evaluate their production plans should the MAX grounding continue longer than expected. Boeing has decided to prioritize the delivery of stored aircraft and temporarily suspend production on the 737 programme beginning January 2020.

In November 2019, Boeing debut its first 737 MAX 10 at the new Renton, Washington factory. The 737 MAX 10 is the largest variant of the MAX family. It can seat up to 230 passengers and offers the lowest seat-mile cost of any single-aisle airplane ever produced. It is undergoing system checks and engine runs prior to first flight next year. There are currently over 550 orders and commitments from over 20 customers around the world.