Former CEO of Boeing's defense, space and security division Ted Colbert speaks during a news conference in Dubai on November 16, 2019.
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The boss of BoeingTed Colbert, chief executive of the company's defense unit, will leave the firm effective immediately, Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg said, marking his first major executive change since taking the top job in early August.
“At this critical time, our priority is to regain the trust of our customers and meet the high standards they expect from us to enable them to perform their critical missions around the world,” Ortberg said in a memo to staff on Friday. “By working together we can and will improve our performance and ensure we meet our commitments.”
Ortberg thanked Colbert for his 15 years of service to Boeing and said the unit's chief operating officer, Steve Parker, will take over until the company names Colbert's replacement.
Boeing’s defense, space and security unit generated nearly 40% of Boeing’s revenue in the first half of this year but has struggled with production problems and cost overruns, including on the new 747s that will serve as Air Force One planes. In space, Boeing’s Starliner is returning without the NASA astronauts who flew it to the International Space Station in June. Instead, they will fly back SpaceX’s Crew-9 vehicle, NASA said last month.
Colbert did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
