Boeing hires aerospace industry veteran Robert "Kelly" Ortberg as next CEO

Boeing has appointed aerospace veteran Robert “Kelly” Ortberg as its new CEO, effective August 8, succeeding Dave Calhoun, who is retiring amid ongoing challenges within the company. This leadership change comes as Boeing reported a significant second-quarter loss of $1.44 billion, which exceeded analysts' expectations. Ortberg, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Iowa, is expected to focus on improving engineering quality, addressing concerns that previous leadership prioritized financial results over product integrity. In a statement, Ortberg expressed his honor in joining Boeing and emphasized his commitment to safety and quality, acknowledging the work ahead to stabilize operations. Boeing's board chair, Steve Mollenkopf, highlighted Ortberg's extensive experience and respect within the aerospace industry, noting that he has a proven track record in leading complex engineering and manufacturing organizations. Ortberg, 64, previously served as CEO of Rockwell Collins and oversaw significant mergers before retiring in 2021. The company has faced increased scrutiny over its production lines, particularly affecting the output of its 737 Max jets. Despite the challenging financial landscape, Calhoun stated that Boeing is making progress in strengthening its quality management system and positioning itself for future success.