Boeing CEO resigns at end of a troubled year, chairman will fill role

New leadership aims to better communication with regulators and customers in safely returning the 737 MAX to service

Boeing’s CEO has resigned and its chairman has assumed the helm of the aerospace giant, the company announced today.

Boeing announced today that Dennis A. Muilenburg has resigned from his positions as chief executive officer and board director effective immediately.

The board has named current Chairman David L. Calhoun as chief executive officer and president, effective Jan. 13. Calhoun will remain a member of the board. In addition, board member Lawrence W. Kellner will become non-executive chairman of the board effective immediately.

The company also announced that Boeing Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith will serve as interim CEO during the brief transition period, while Calhoun exits his non-Boeing commitments.

The board said a change in leadership was necessary to restore confidence in the company moving forward as it works to repair relationships with regulators, customers, and all other stakeholders. That concern was magnified this year after the company’s 737 MAX was pulled from service following two major air crashes.

Under the company’s new leadership, Boeing said will operate with a renewed commitment to full transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA, other global regulators and its customers.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased that Dave has agreed to lead Boeing at this critical juncture,” Kellner said.  He added, “Dave has deep industry experience and a proven track record of strong leadership, and he recognizes the challenges we must confront. The Board and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the Boeing team to ensure that today marks a new way forward for our company.”

Calhoun said, “I strongly believe in the future of Boeing and the 737 MAX. I am honored to lead this great company and the 150,000 dedicated employees who are working hard to create the future of aviation.”