Boeing, the American aerospace giant, announced on Monday that three senior executives, including its CEO, would be stepping down amidst an ongoing safety crisis and federal investigation into the safety of its passenger jets.
CEO Dave Calhoun confirmed his departure by the end of the year in a statement, alongside Stan Deal, the CEO and president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, who retired with immediate effect. Additionally, Larry Kellner, chair of the company’s board of directors, will not seek re-election at the next shareholders’ annual meeting. Steve Mollenkopf, former Qualcomm CEO and current Boeing board member, will succeed Kellner.
The decision comes amid escalating scrutiny following a door panel incident on a Boeing 737 Max plane operated by Alaska Airlines in January. The fallout from this incident, coupled with ongoing negative stories, including an FBI investigation into potential criminal activities, has prompted significant concerns among passengers and investors alike.
In a letter to staff, Calhoun acknowledged the impact of the Alaska Airlines incident, emphasizing the need for transparency and a renewed focus on safety and quality across the company.
Boeing’s challenges extend beyond the recent incident, with the company grappling with the aftermath of previous air disasters involving the 737 Max. Calhoun, appointed CEO in 2020, vowed to address internal cultural issues at Boeing, but the company continues to face criticism over its handling of safety matters.
As Boeing navigates these challenges, analysts and regulators alike have called for a fundamental shift in the company’s culture and practices to prioritize safety over production pressures. With ongoing investigations and public scrutiny,
