In the wake of reporting a significant core operating loss of $1.4 billion for the second quarter—a figure that more than triples the loss from the previous year—Boeing has announced a change in leadership. Robert Kelly Ortberg, former CEO of Rockwell Collins, will take the reins as Boeing’s CEO starting August 8, succeeding the retiring Dave Calhoun.

A Rich History and a Promising Future

Ortberg expressed his honor and humility in joining Boeing, acknowledging the company’s storied past as an industry leader and pioneer. “I’m committed to working together with our dedicated employees to continue this tradition, prioritizing safety and quality,” he stated. His arrival is seen as timely and potentially revitalizing for Boeing, which has faced intense scrutiny over the safety and quality of its planes in recent years.

Ortberg’s Engineering Background

Having started his career as an engineer at Texas Instruments in 1983, Ortberg brings a robust engineering perspective to his new role at Boeing. This is significant, as some of Boeing’s staff have voiced concerns that the company’s management had previously placed too much emphasis on finance rather than engineering quality. Ortberg’s educational background in mechanical engineering and his long tenure at Rockwell Collins, where he rose to CEO before retiring in 2021, are expected to resonate well with the engineering community within Boeing.

Leadership and Industry Respect

Steven Mollenkopf, Boeing’s Chairman, praised Ortberg as an experienced leader revered within the aerospace industry for his ability to build strong teams and manage complex engineering and manufacturing operations. “Kelly has the right skills and experience to lead Boeing into its next chapter,” Mollenkopf remarked.

A Hopeful Turn for Safety and Accountability

Even some of Boeing’s most critical observers have expressed optimism about Ortberg’s appointment. Robert Clifford, an attorney representing families of 737 Max crash victims, noted that Ortberg’s leadership comes at a “crucial and necessary time for the safety of the traveling public around the world.” He criticized the previous leadership for what he saw as negligence and expressed hope that Ortberg’s tenure would bring about significant change.

In sum, Robert Kelly Ortberg steps into the role of CEO at Boeing during a period of considerable challenges and high expectations. His engineering background, combined with a proven track record in leadership, positions him as a beacon of hope for the company’s future, emphasizing safety, quality, and renewed focus on solid engineering principles.

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Who is Robert Kelly Ortberg?

Ortberg, 64, brings over 35 years of aerospace leadership to this position. He began his career in 1983 as an engineer at Texas Instruments, and then joined Rockwell Collins in 1987 as a program manager and held increasingly important leadership positions at the company prior to becoming its president and CEO in 2013.

After five years leading Rockwell Collins, he steered the company’s integration with United Technologies and RTX until his retirement from RTX in 2021. He has held a number of important leadership posts in industry, including serving on the Board of Directors of RTX. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors of Aptiv PLC, a global technology company and an industry leader in vehicle systems architecture. He is the former Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Board of Governors.

Ortberg holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa.

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