Boeing announced its board of directors has named current chairman, David L. Calhoun, as CEO and president, effective January 13, 2020. Calhoun will remain a member of the board. In addition, board member Lawrence W. Kellner will become non-executive chairman of the board effective immediately.
Boeing also announced that Dennis A. Muilenburg has resigned from his positions as CEO and board director effective immediately. Boeing CFO Greg Smith will serve as interim CEO during the brief transition period, while Calhoun exits his non-Boeing commitments.
Boeing says its board of directors decided that a change in leadership was necessary to restore confidence in the company moving forward as it works to repair relationships with regulators, customers, and all other stakeholders.
Under the Company’s new leadership, Boeing says it will operate with a renewed commitment to full transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA, other global regulators and its customers.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased that Dave has agreed to lead Boeing at this critical juncture,” Kellner says. “Dave has deep industry experience and a proven track record of strong leadership, and he recognizes the challenges we must confront. The Board and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the Boeing team to ensure that today marks a new way forward for our company.”
Calhoun adds, “I strongly believe in the future of Boeing and the 737 MAX. I am honored to lead this great company and the 150,000 dedicated employees who are working hard to create the future of aviation.”