Global aerospace manufacturer Boeing has named former Rockwell Collins executive Kelly Ortberg as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Ortberg, an experienced veteran of the aerospace industry, has been tasked with turning the struggling planemaker around.
The appointment comes after months of deliberation from Boeing as it seeks to salvage its reputation and address concerns around safety, particularly following an incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight.
Who is Ortberg?
Kelly Ortberg, 64, is a native of Dubuque, Iowa. He brings over three decades of experience in the aerospace industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa.
We’re pleased to announce Kelly Ortberg as Boeing’s new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Details here: https://t.co/qLYPKYHmLx pic.twitter.com/WnP33PTftK
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) July 31, 2024
Career
Ortberg began his career as an engineer at semiconductor maker Texas Instruments before transitioning to aircraft electronics supplier Rockwell Collins. He held various leadership roles at Rockwell Collins, including becoming the company‘s CEO in 2013.
During his tenure at Rockwell Collins, Ortberg steered the company’s merger with United Technologies and RTX until his retirement in 2021. He also oversaw the development programs for the Airbus A350 XWB, Boeing 787, and the Bombardier CSeries. Ortberg has also served on the board of automotive parts supplier Aptiv PLC and previously chaired the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Board of Governors.
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What’s expected?
Ortberg’s focus will be on guiding Boeing through its safety and regulatory challenges, while the U.S. planemaker works to catch up with rival Airbus. Beyond the Alaska Airlines incident, Boeing has also faced difficulties with its Starliner spacecraft, which has been docked to the International Space Station since June 6 after ferrying its first crew of astronauts there, following a series of issues involving its thrusters and helium leaks.
The company has also been struggling financially, reporting a loss of $1.4 billion in the latest quarter and continuing to burn cash.
“There is much work to be done, and I’m looking forward to getting started,” Ortberg said after being appointed as Boeing’s CEO.
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