Boeing recently announced the appointment of Robert “Kelly” Ortberg as the new CEO, replacing Dave Calhoun. Ortberg brings with him a wealth of experience from leading major aerospace supplier Rockwell Collins and will be tasked with navigating Boeing through a series of challenges in the wake of safety and manufacturing crises.
Ortberg’s appointment as CEO of Boeing signals a strategic move by the company to bring in an industry veteran who can provide a steady hand in turbulent times. With over three decades of experience in the aerospace sector, Ortberg is well-versed in dealing with the complexities of the industry, including managing diverse customer bases and suppliers.
As Ortberg takes the helm at Boeing, he faces a multitude of challenges that will test his leadership skills. The company is grappling with persistent losses, heightened regulator scrutiny, supply chain strains, and a crisis of confidence from airline customers due to delayed planes. Additionally, tense labor talks and the threat of a strike further compound Boeing’s woes.
Ortberg’s appointment comes as part of a broader company shake-up at Boeing, which also saw the departure of the then-chairman and head of commercial aircraft. The changes were prompted by a series of incidents, including a door plug blowing out of a 737 Max 9, reigniting federal scrutiny over the company and leading to a wider-than-expected quarterly loss and a drop in sales.
One of Ortberg’s key responsibilities as CEO will be to ensure the quality of Boeing’s products, particularly in light of recent manufacturing flaws. The midair door plug blowout, among other issues like misdrilled holes and incorrect spacing on fuselages, has raised concerns about the company’s production processes and supply chain management.
To address these quality concerns, Boeing recently reached a deal to acquire Spirit AeroSystems, its fuselage supplier. This acquisition is seen as a crucial step towards improving quality control and addressing the issues that have been plaguing Boeing’s manufacturing processes. Ortberg will need to closely oversee this integration to ensure that the company’s products meet the highest standards.
Robert “Kelly” Ortberg’s appointment as CEO of Boeing comes at a critical juncture for the company. As he navigates the challenges ahead, including rebuilding customer trust, managing supply chain disruptions, and improving product quality, Ortberg will need to draw on his extensive industry experience and leadership skills to steer Boeing towards a brighter future.