Boeing's CEO to step down as company faces safety overhaul

Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun announced his plan to step down by the end of 2024, marking a significant shift in leadership as the aerospace giant contends with safety and manufacturing issues.

This decision is part of a broader management overhaul following a series of concerning incidents.

The company is currently addressing the aftermath of a safety incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight.

On Jan. 5, a door plug blew out of a nearly new Boeing 737 Max 9, leading to an emergency landing. Following the Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019, which claimed 346 lives, this latest incident has added to the urgency for Boeing to address these critical issues.

In a recent letter to staff, Calhoun, who took the CEO role in early 2020, emphasized the company's direction.

He noted, "The eyes of the world are on us, and I know that we will come through this moment a better company." He also stressed the importance of placing "safety and quality at the forefront of everything that we do."

Boeing's reshuffle also includes the immediate departure of Stan Deal, head of the commercial airplanes division, and Larry Kellner, the Chairman of the Board. Stephanie Pope, recently appointed COO, will step into Deal's role, signifying a new era in the company's leadership.

Calhoun's impending departure represents a critical transition for Boeing as it seeks to rebuild trust and address the pressing safety and manufacturing issues that have arisen.

Source: Newsroom