Boeing names Robert ‘Kelly’ Ortberg as new CEO
Succeeding Dave Calhoun, who retires
Boeing has announced that Robert K. ‘Kelly’ Ortberg will be the company’s new President and CEO, effective August 8, 2024.
Ortberg, a distinguished aerospace veteran with over 35 years of experience, will join Boeing’s Board of Directors.
Ortberg’s appointment marks a significant shift for the aerospace giant. He succeeds Dave Calhoun, who has announced his intention to retire. Calhoun has served as Boeing’s president and CEO since January 2020 and has been a member of the company’s Board of Directors since 2009.
Steven Mollenkopf, Boeing’s Chair of the Board, said: “The Board conducted a thorough search over the last several months to select the next CEO of Boeing. Kelly has the skills and experience to lead Boeing in its next chapter.
“Kelly is an experienced leader deeply respected in the aerospace industry, with a well-earned reputation for building strong teams and running complex engineering and manufacturing companies. We look forward to working with him as he leads Boeing through this consequential period in its long history.”
Mollenkopf also extended gratitude to the outgoing CEO: “The Board would also like to thank Dave Calhoun for his strong leadership at Boeing, first as Chair and then as CEO, when he stepped in to steer the company through the challenges of recent years.”
‘Iconic company’
In a statement, Ortberg expressed his honour and commitment to Boeing: “I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to join this iconic company. Boeing has a tremendous and rich history as a leader and pioneer in our industry.
“I am committed to working with the company’s more than 170,000 dedicated employees to continue that tradition with safety and quality at the forefront. Much work is needed, and I look forward to starting.”
Ortberg, 64, brings a wealth of experience to Boeing. He launched his career in 1983 as an engineer at Texas Instruments. He joined Rockwell Collins in 1987 and became president and CEO in 2013. Ortberg was crucial in guiding Rockwell Collins through its integration with United Technologies and RTX before retiring from RTX in 2021.
His leadership extends to roles on the Boards of Directors of RTX and Aptiv PLC, a global technology company specialising in vehicle systems architecture. He is also a 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.
As Boeing continues to lead in the aerospace sector, developing and servicing commercial aircraft, defence products, and space systems for customers worldwide, Ortberg’s leadership will be pivotal. The company, a major US exporter, is committed to advancing economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact while fostering a safety, quality, and integrity culture.
With Ortberg at the helm, Boeing looks to navigate its next chapter by focusing on innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving aerospace industry.
Featured image: Robert K. ‘Kelly’ Ortberg’s leadership will be pivotal to Boeing as the aerospace giant charts new horizons. Credit: Boeing
