The aerospace industry is abuzz with news that Kelly Ortberg, former CEO of Rockwell Collins, is under serious consideration to take the helm as the next chief executive officer of Boeing. This development comes as Boeing seeks to replace its outgoing CEO, Dave Calhoun, who announced his departure earlier this year. Ortberg's potential candidacy was first reported by The Air Current, an industry publication known for its insightful coverage of the aerospace sector. According to the report, Ortberg is one of several high-profile executives being considered for the top job at Boeing, a company that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
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Kelly Ortberg brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as the CEO of Rockwell Collins from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure, Ortberg oversaw significant growth and transformation at the company, which was eventually acquired by United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in 2018. Following the acquisition, Ortberg continued to lead the company as CEO of Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of UTC. In 2020, UTC merged with Raytheon to form RTX Corporation, and Ortberg served as a special advisor to the CEO of RTX until his retirement in 2021. His extensive background in the aerospace industry and his proven track record of leadership make him a strong contender for the top position at Boeing.
The other candidates reportedly in the running for the Boeing CEO role include Stephanie Pope, the current chief operating officer of Boeing and CEO of the company's Commercial Airplanes division, and Pat Shanahan, CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier to Boeing. Boeing's decision to consider Ortberg and other industry veterans for the CEO position comes at a critical time for the company. Boeing has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the grounding of its 737 MAX aircraft following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
The company has also grappled with production issues and supply chain disruptions, which have impacted its financial performance and reputation. As Boeing continues its search for a new CEO, the aerospace industry will be closely watching to see who will be chosen to lead the company through this critical period of transition and recovery. With his extensive experience and proven leadership skills, Kelly Ortberg could be the right person to steer Boeing back on course and restore its position as a global leader in the aerospace industry.