Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to step down
In a statement from Boeing, it was announced that Dave Calhoun will continue to lead the company throughout the year to complete the critical work underway to stabilize the company and position it for the future.
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The statement noted that Chairman of the Board Larry Kellner has informed the board of his intention not to stand for re-election at the next annual shareholders' meeting, and that the board has elected Steve Mollenkopf as independent board chair to succeed Kellner. Mollenkopf will lead the board's process of selecting Boeing's next CEO.
The statement also indicated that Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, will retire, and that Stephanie Pope has been appointed to lead the unit effective today.
'WE MUST INSTILL A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY'
In a letter to company employees, Calhoun stated, "As you all know, the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident was a watershed moment for Boeing. We must continue to respond to this accident with humility and complete transparency. We also must instill a total commitment to safety and quality at all levels of our company."
Boeing has been facing challenges since an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 passenger jet was forced to make an emergency landing on the evening of January 5 after a piece of its fuselage tore off while in mid-air.
Calls from airlines and regulatory agencies for major changes at the company had increased following a series of quality and manufacturing defects in Boeing aircraft.
The company also announced a leadership change in the 737 MAX program last month.