Boeing is in for a shakeup at the top as CEO Dave Calhoun announces his departure by the end of 2024. Joining him in this significant transition are Larry Kellner, the Chairman of the board, and Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Larry Kellner is set to resign and leave the board during Boeing’s annual meeting in May. In his place, Steve Mollenkopf steps in as the new chair, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a Boeing director since 2020.

Immediate changes are also seen within Boeing’s executive ranks, with Stan Deal stepping down from his position. Stephanie Pope, recently appointed as Boeing’s Chief Operating Officer, will now take the reins as the head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

These changes come amidst mounting pressure from airlines and regulators for Boeing to address quality and manufacturing concerns following a series of incidents involving Boeing planes. The scrutiny escalated following an accident on January 5 involving a Boeing 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight, where a door plug malfunctioned shortly after takeoff.

In a message to employees, Calhoun emphasized the need for transparency and a renewed commitment to safety and quality throughout the company. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he expressed confidence that Boeing would emerge stronger from this challenging period.

Recent meetings between airline CEOs and Boeing directors underscore the urgency for the company to address manufacturing quality issues and meet production targets for the 737 Max planes. Calhoun has been steadfast in assuring stakeholders that Boeing is actively working to resolve its quality struggles.

Calhoun’s tenure as CEO, which began in early 2020, followed the departure of his predecessor, Dennis Muilenburg, in the aftermath of two fatal 737 Max crashes. As Boeing prepares for a leadership transition, the company remains focused on restoring trust and ensuring the safety and reliability of its aircraft.