(DailyChive.com) – Boeing made an important announcement on Monday, March 25, revealing that CEO Dave Calhoun will depart by year-end, signaling a notable leadership shift amid the company’s ongoing safety crisis. Calhoun’s exit aligns with Boeing’s handling of its most significant safety crisis since the 2018 and 2019 crashes involving two Max 8 jets.
Accompanying Calhoun’s departure is Larry Kellner’s decision to step down as chair of Boeing’s board of directors. The company appointed former Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf as Kellner’s replacement. Reports from the Financial Times suggest that Mollenkopf will lead the search for Calhoun’s successor.
Another significant change is the immediate retirement of Stan Deal, head of Boeing’s commercial airplane division. Stephanie Pope, the company’s chief operating officer, is set to succeed Deal in this role.
Boeing’s recent safety concerns peaked when a door panel on one of its planes blew out mid-air in January. Although no injuries were reported, this incident has heightened scrutiny over the company’s safety record.
Calhoun, who assumed the CEO role in early 2020 following the departure of Dennis Muilenburg, expressed his determination to stabilize and position the company for the future before his departure. He emphasized the significance of the company’s actions, stating that they will emerge from this moment as a better company.
Boeing’s shares saw a modest increase in pre-market trading on Monday, reflecting a semblance of investor confidence amidst the management reshuffle.
The company has faced immense pressure to regain trust from regulators, airlines, and passengers ever since a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet was forced into an emergency landing in January. This incident compounded Boeing’s existing challenges stemming from the crashes of two Max 8 jets.
The departure of key executives signals a strategic shift for Boeing as it navigates through this turbulent period. The incoming leadership will prioritize safety and restore public confidence in the company’s aircraft.
While Boeing’s stock initially rose in response to the news, questions about the quality of its planes persist. Regulators and airlines have been seeking transparency and accountability from Boeing, especially in light of recent safety lapses.
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