This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
December 23, 2019, marked a significant shift in leadership at Boeing, as CEO Dennis Muilenburg was fired amidst a heated debate over the company's response to two deadly crashes of the 737 Max jetliner.
David Calhoun, who had served as Chairman since October, will replace Muilenburg as CEO from January 13, 2020. Calhoun will now exit his non-Boeing commitments to focus on cleaning the image of the 737 Max, which has been grounded by all airplane operators worldwide since March.
Boeing's board stated that 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.
Manuel von Ribbeck of Ribbeck Law Chartered, who represents the majority of the families of two Boeing Max 8 plane crashes, expressed optimism that the changes would ensure the safety of passengers in subsequent releases of any planes.
“Boeing is making changes and hopefully these modifications in their operations and aircraft design will focus on the safety of its planes,” he said.
Monica Kelly of Ribbeck Law Chartered stated that “our clients, the majority of the families of both plane crashes do not wish more accidents and appreciate changes that will prevent these tragedies.”
