Boeing names Kelly Ortberg as new CEO to replace Dave Calhoun

Boeing has named Robert “Kelly” Ortberg to replace Chief Executive Dave Calhoun, choosing an aerospace industry veteran from outside the company as the manufacturer struggles to regain its footing following safety and manufacturing crises. He will start on Aug. 8.

Ortberg, 64, previously ran major aerospace supplier Rockwell Collins, which later became Collins Aerospace, and the business is now part of the industry giant. RTXRetired in 2021.

Ortberg, who has a degree in mechanical engineering, will face a host of challenges as Boeing CEO: persistent losses, increased scrutiny from regulators, a crisis of confidence among airline customers whose planes are delayed and tense labor talks that now include the threat of a strike.

His appointment on Wednesday came alongside Boeing's second-quarter results, which showed a bigger-than-expected loss and a 15% drop in sales.

Boeing announced in March that Calhoun would leave his post at the end of the year, part of a broader company restructuring that also included the departure of its then-president and the replacement of its commercial airplanes chief. The changes came after a door stopper on a nearly new 737 Max 9 exploded, reigniting federal scrutiny of Boeing just as it was trying to move past two fatal crashes of its best-selling jet.

“The Board of Directors has conducted a thorough and comprehensive search process over the past several months to select Boeing's next CEO, and Kelly has the right skills and experience to lead Boeing into its next chapter,” Boeing President Steven Mollenkopf said in a note to employees Wednesday. “Kelly is a seasoned leader who is highly respected in the aerospace industry and has earned a well-deserved reputation for building strong teams and leading complex engineering and manufacturing enterprises.”

Ortberg will also join Boeing's board of directors.