Boeing CEO to Step Down This Year, Board Chairman to Exit, Head of Commercial Airplanes Retires
In a surprising turn of events, Boeing announced today that its CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, will be stepping down from his position at the end of the year. This decision comes after months of intense scrutiny and criticism following the two deadly crashes involving the company’s 737 Max aircraft.
Muilenburg, who has been at the helm of the aerospace giant since 2015, has faced immense pressure from regulators, lawmakers, and families of the victims to take responsibility for the flawed design of the 737 Max and the company’s handling of the crisis.
In a statement released by the company, Muilenburg said, “I have become the focus of the media and public scrutiny, which has taken a toll on me personally and has detracted from the incredible work done by the Boeing team. Therefore, I have decided to step down as CEO, effective immediately.”
The news was met with mixed reactions, with some applauding Muilenburg for taking accountability and others criticizing him for not stepping down sooner. However, the company’s board of directors has expressed their full support for his decision and praised his contributions to the company during his tenure.
Replacing Muilenburg as CEO will be David L. Calhoun, who has been serving as the Chairman of the Board since October. Calhoun, a former General Electric executive, brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record of successfully leading companies through challenging times.
In a statement, Calhoun said, “I am honored to take on this role and lead Boeing into the next chapter of its history. We have a talented team and a strong portfolio of products, and I am confident that we will overcome the current challenges and emerge even stronger.”
In addition to Muilenburg’s departure, Boeing also announced that its current Board Chairman, Lawrence Kellner, will be stepping down from his position. Kellner, who has been with the company since 2011, has been instrumental in guiding the company through some of its most significant milestones, including the development and launch of the 737 Max.
Replacing Kellner as Chairman will be current independent lead director, David L. Calhoun. This move is seen as a strategic decision to streamline the company’s leadership and bring in a fresh perspective to navigate through the current crisis.
But the changes at Boeing do not stop there. The company also announced the retirement of Kevin McAllister, the head of its commercial airplanes division. McAllister, who joined Boeing in 2016, has been responsible for overseeing the development and production of the 737 Max.
His retirement comes at a critical time for the company as it works towards getting the 737 Max back in the air. However, McAllister’s departure will not affect the progress of the 737 Max’s recertification, as the company has already appointed a new leader for the commercial airplanes division.
Stan Deal, who currently heads Boeing’s global services division, will take over as the new CEO of the commercial airplanes division. Deal brings with him over 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry and has a proven track record of leading successful programs and driving innovation.
The changes in leadership at Boeing come at a crucial time for the company, as it continues to face challenges and criticism over the 737 Max crisis. However, the company remains confident that with the new leadership team in place, it will be able to overcome these obstacles and regain the trust of its customers and the public.
In a statement, David Calhoun said, “We are committed to transparency, accountability, and regaining the trust of our stakeholders. We have a responsibility to our customers, employees, and the flying public to ensure the safety and reliability of our products. With the new leadership team in place, we are confident that we will emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient than ever before.”
Boeing’s decision to make these leadership changes is a clear indication of its commitment to addressing the issues that have plagued the company and its determination to move forward in a positive direction. The new leadership team brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience that will be crucial in steering the company towards a brighter future.
As the world’s largest aerospace company, Boeing has a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. With the new leadership team in place, we are confident that the company will continue to innovate
