Dave Calhoun, head of Boeing, is set to retire from his position at the conclusion of 2024, amid the lingering implications from the 737 Max debacle. Assigned the task of reviving the firm’s fortunes in 2020, Calhoun will aim to finalize the pivotal undertakings in progress in a bid to consolidate and pave the way forward for the organization, as stated in a company release.
Alongside the imminent exit of Calhoun, Boeing also revealed plans for a comprehensive revision of its executive roster, as part of a determined effort to restore its standing. In addition to the looming leadership reshuffle, several other strategic personnel changes will occur effective immediately, in order to breathe new life into the legendary aerospace firm.
Stan Deal, the top executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), is another key player bidding farewell to the corporation. The position of leadership that Deal leaves vacant will be filled by Stephanie Pope, the former chief operating officer ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Pope, a firm veteran, was formerly responsible for the guidance and monitoring of the performance of Boeing’s three enterprise divisions, namely, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Boeing Global Services. Her ample experience in all these areas is expected to play an instrumental role in shaping the future of the company.
Another significant exit has been the Independent Board Chair Larry Kellner’s announcement of his impending resignation. Taking up the mantle will be Steve Mollenkopf, who has been actively associated with Boeing since 2020. Entrusted with leading the process of identifying future leadership, Mollenkopf’s role will be critical in these times of transition.
Earlier this year, a change at the helm of Boeing’s 737 Max program took place in the company’s Renton, Washington establishment with the replacement of Ed Clark. Also, Elizabeth Lund, previously the senior vice president and general manager of Airplane Programs, was named to an innovative role emphasizing quality control measures.
In a heartfelt address to the workforce on Monday, Calhoun drew attention to the airplane incident on January 5, where a door panel disengage off Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 at 16,000 feet, labeling it as a defining moment for the aerospace behemoth. Calhoun pointed out that the door panel appeared to lack crucial bolts, as highlighted in the preliminary findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released in February.
According to Calhoun, Boeing’s response to this accident has to include forthrightness and humility. He further emphasized the need to cultivate an all-encompassing dedication towards safety and quality at every layer within the company infrastructure.
Calhoun made a sincere acknowledgment of the scrutiny that Boeing currently faces, but spoke with optimism of the firm emerging stronger after this test. Drawing from the collective wisdom gathered over the past few challenging years, Calhoun confidently asserted that Boeing’s rebuilding is well underway and expressed hope for a promising future.
Calhoun’s journey with Boeing began during an ominous period when the company was grappling to regain public confidence post a series of fatal accidents involving their 737 Max 8 aircraft in 2018 and 2019. Having held leadership roles at Blackstone Group, Nielsen Holdings and GE, and served on Boeing’s board since 2009, he was seen as the best hope of steadying the ship during these tumultuous times.
In the backdrop of regulatory scrutiny, the latest leadership shake-up is viewed as a decisive step toward necessary transformation. There continues to be pressure on Boeing to commit to substantial improvements since an audit of 737 Max manufacturing processes unearthed quality issues.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker, following a recent walkthrough of Boeing manufacturing facilities, expressed disappointment on the ‘NBC Nightly News’ stating that Boeing prioritized production over safety and quality. He mandated a 90-day timeline for Boeing to deliver a detailed plan to address the overarching quality-control concerns.
This directive was given following an inspection of the Boeing 737 manufacturing processes and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, that resulted in multiple instances where it was found that both parties allegedly fell short in complying with the mandated quality control requirements.
