Boeing announces new president & CEO, board chairman, comms SVP

Boeing has announced that its board of directors has named current chairman, David L. Calhoun, as president and chief executive officer.

The American multinational also said that board member Lawrence W. Kellner will become non-executive chairman of the board.

The world’s largest aerospace company also named Niel Golightly as the organization’s senior vice president of communications.

Calhoun will be the new president and CEO effective January 13, 2020, and Golightly will be the new comms SVP effective January 1. Kellner, on the other hand, has been made the chairman effective immediately.

Boeing also announced the resignation of Dennis A. Muilenburg from the CEO and board member positions effective immediately.

Greg Smith, the chief financial officer, will be the interim CEO for the short transition period, during which Calhoun will exit his non-multinational commitments. Golightly will be reporting to Smith initially and then to Calhoun from Jan. 13 onward.

The Chicago, IL-headquartered corporation said its board of directors decided that a leadership change was required to restore confidence in the company going forward as it works to repair relationships with regulators, customers and all other stakeholders.

“Under the Company’s new leadership, Boeing will operate with a renewed commitment to full transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA, other global regulators and its customers,” said a company press release.

Kellner stated on the occasion, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased that Dave [David L. Calhoun] has agreed to lead Boeing at this critical juncture. 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 commented, “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.”

Image via Boeing's Newsroom