Factbox: Who is Boeing’s New CEO Kelly Ortberg?

Boeing has appointed Kelly Ortberg, a former executive from Rockwell Collins, as its new President and CEO, entrusting him with the challenging task of revitalizing the struggling aircraft manufacturer.

This decision follows months of internal discussions at Boeing, amid efforts to restore its reputation and address safety concerns, particularly after an incident involving an Alaska Airlines-operated MAX 9 jet that experienced a mid-air panel blowout.

Here are some key details about Kelly Ortberg, who will officially assume his new role on August 8:

Background

Kelly Ortberg, 64, hails from Dubuque, Iowa, and brings over thirty years of experience in the aerospace sector. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa.

Professional Journey

Ortberg began his career as an engineer at Texas Instruments before transitioning to Rockwell Collins, where he progressed to various leadership roles, ultimately becoming CEO in 2013. He played a pivotal role in orchestrating the merger between Rockwell Collins and United Technologies, leading the company until his retirement in 2021. His tenure also included overseeing development programs for significant aircraft such as the Airbus A350 XWB, Boeing 787, and Bombardier CSeries.

In addition to his leadership positions, Ortberg currently sits on the board of automotive parts supplier Aptiv and previously chaired the Aerospace Industries Association Board of Governors.

Future Focus

Ortberg’s primary objective will be to guide Boeing through its ongoing safety and regulatory challenges while working to close the gap with its primary competitor, Airbus. Upon his appointment, Ortberg expressed enthusiasm about the road ahead, stating, "There is much work to be done, and I’m looking forward to getting started."

Boeing has faced several challenges, including the recent incident involving Alaska Airlines and setbacks with its Starliner spacecraft, which has remained docked at the International Space Station since June 6 after successfully transporting its first crew of astronauts. The company has recorded a loss of $1.4 billion in its latest quarter and continues to experience cash flow issues.