From Rockwell to Boeing: Could Kelly Ortberg be the next aerospace titan?

Kelly Ortberg, the former chief of Rockwell Collins, is reportedly being seriously considered for the position of Boeing’s next chief executive officer. This information comes from The Air Current, which cited industry officials familiar with the matter.

Ortberg is among a select group of contenders for the top job at Boeing, which includes Pat Shanahan, the current CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, and Stephanie Pope, Boeing’s Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Boeing board Chair Steve Mollenkopf is also in the running, according to previous reports by Reuters.

This leadership shakeup follows Boeing’s announcement earlier this month of its plan to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems, a former subsidiary, in a stock deal valued at $4.7 billion. This acquisition is part of Boeing’s broader strategy to strengthen its supply chain and manufacturing capabilities.

Kelly Ortberg, a respected figure in the aerospace sector, retired in 2021 after a distinguished career at Rockwell Collins and its successor entities. Over his eight-year tenure, he oversaw significant mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring efforts. Rockwell Collins, now part of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), specializes in producing aircraft communications, electronics, and aviation systems for both commercial and military customers.

The search for a new CEO comes after Boeing’s current head, Dave Calhoun, announced in March his intention to step down by the end of the year. This decision was part of a broader management shakeup triggered by a January incident involving a mid-air panel blowout on a 737 MAX aircraft.

As of now, Boeing has not responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing CEO selection process. The company is navigating a critical period, aiming to restore its reputation and ensure the stability of its leadership amidst ongoing challenges in the aerospace industry.

Meet Kelly Ortberg

Kelly Ortberg brings more than 30 years of experience in aerospace and defense, having held numerous executive positions throughout his career. He served as CEO of Rockwell Collins and its successor entity, Collins Aerospace, and was a special advisor to the CEO of RTX.

Ortberg currently serves as the co-chairman of the Board of Directors of FIRST, an organization dedicated to hosting annual robotics competitions in schools. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Aptiv PLC, a global leader in vehicle systems architecture, and previously chaired the board of governors of the Aerospace Industries Association. Ortberg holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa.

As investors and industry analysts await the final decision on Boeing’s new leadership, the inclusion of Ortberg in the candidate pool highlights the company’s focus on experienced and transformative leaders. Boeing did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the ongoing CEO search.

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