Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, has undergone a significant leadership shakeup as it seeks to address ongoing challenges within its commercial airplane division. On February 25, 2025, the company announced that Stephanie Pope, previously its Chief Operating Officer (COO) and head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), will now focus exclusively on steering the troubled plane-making unit toward recovery. This reorganization eliminates her role as COO, a position she assumed in December 2023, while reinforcing her status as the No. 2 executive under CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took the helm in August 2024. The move signals Boeing’s intent to sharpen its focus on resolving production and safety issues that have plagued its commercial jet business, particularly in the wake of high-profile incidents and a turbulent few years.
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Pope’s narrowed role comes at a critical juncture for Boeing’s commercial division, which has been battered by crises since 2019. The grounding of the 737 MAX following two fatal crashes that year exposed deep-seated safety and quality concerns, costing the company billions and eroding public trust. More recently, a mid-air door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January 2024 reignited scrutiny, prompting federal investigations and production slowdowns. Pope, who has been tasked with overseeing the BCA unit since early 2024, now faces the daunting challenge of stabilizing this cornerstone of Boeing’s operations, which historically drives the lion’s share of its revenue and employs tens of thousands. Her prior role as COO encompassed broader operational oversight, but shedding those duties allows her to zero in on the commercial plane unit’s recovery—a decision Boeing deems essential amid mounting pressure from regulators, airlines, and investors.
The reorganization reflects a strategic pivot under Ortberg’s leadership as he works to restore Boeing’s reputation and operational reliability. The company confirmed that Pope’s COO tenure ended on February 19, 2025, and it has no plans to refill the position, suggesting a leaner executive structure aimed at streamlining decision-making. Pope’s extensive history with Boeing, spanning roles in finance, global services, and commercial aviation, positions her as a seasoned insider for this task. Yet, her rapid rise—propelled by former CEO Dave Calhoun, who stepped down at the end of 2024—has sparked debate among industry observers about whether she possesses the operational expertise needed to tackle BCA’s complex challenges. Nevertheless, her mandate is clear: improve safety, boost production, and deliver on commitments to customers like ANA Holdings, which just ordered 77 aircraft, including dozens of Boeing jets.
Boeing’s commercial division is showing signs of progress, with January 2025 deliveries reaching 45 planes—the highest monthly total since 2023. However, the road ahead remains arduous. Quality lapses, supply chain disruptions, and a battered safety culture demand rigorous attention. Pope’s focused leadership will be tested as she navigates these hurdles, with the stakes high for Boeing to regain its footing against rival Airbus and reassure a wary flying public.