(Reuters) – Boeing has named former Rockwell Collins executive Kelly Ortberg as its new president and CEO, entrusting the experienced aerospace expert with the task of getting the struggling aircraft maker back on track.
The appointment follows months of deliberations at Boeing as the company seeks to salvage its reputation and resolve safety issues following a mid-air panel failure on a MAX 9 jet operated by Alaska Airlines.
Here are some facts about Kelly Ortberg, who starts her new job on August 8th:
WHO IS ORTBERG?
Ortberg, 64, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, has more than 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa.
CAREER
Ortberg began his career as an engineer at semiconductor manufacturer Texas Instruments before moving to aircraft electronics supplier Rockwell Collins as a program manager, where he held key management positions before becoming its CEO in 2013.
He led the company’s merger with United Technologies and RTX until his retirement in 2021.
During his tenure at Rockwell Collins, Ortberg also oversaw the company’s development programs for the Airbus A350 XWB, Boeing 787 and Bombardier CSeries.
Ortberg also sits on the board of automotive supplier Aptiv PLC and was previously chairman of the board of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA).
WHAT IS EXPECTED?
Ortberg’s main task will be to guide Boeing through safety and regulatory hurdles as the US aircraft manufacturer tries to catch up with rival Airbus.
“There is a lot of work to be done and I am excited to get started,” Ortberg said after being named Boeing CEO.
Aside from the Alaska Airlines fiasco, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has been docked at the ISS since June 6 after delivering its first crew of astronauts. Its test mission had been postponed due to a series of problems with its engines and helium leaks.
The company reported a loss of $1.4 billion last quarter and continues to burn cash.
(Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee)
