Boeing on Monday announced that it had fired company’s Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg, who was unable to stabilize the company after two crashes involving its best-selling 737 Max plane killed 346 people and set off the worst crisis in the manufacturing giant’s 103-year history. Muilenburg is replaced by Chairman David Calhoun.
“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,” the company said.
It also said board member Lawrence Kellner will become non-executive Chairman of the Board effective immediately.
Meanwhile, Boeing appoints Niel Golightly as the company’s Senior Vice President of Communications, who will assume office on January 1, 2020.
“Golightly, 61, will report to interim CEO Greg Smith initially, and then to President and CEO David Calhoun from January 13 onward,” Boeing said.
Smith, who is Boeing chief financial officer, will serve as Boeing’s interim CEO during the transition period after the company’s leadership reshuffle.
Golightly succeeds Anne Toulouse, who previously announced her plans to retire in early 2020.
Boeing’s 737 Max was grounded by the regulators in March 2019, and since then US-based airplane manufacturer have lost billions of dollars. Muilenburg’s departure came as the aircraft giant struggles to regain the trust of regulators, customers and the public after two deadly crashes.
The 737 MAX’s return to flight has been postponed after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said earlier this month that it would not re-certify the aircraft for resumed service until 2020, which crushed Boeing’s hope of getting the plane cleared for flight before the end of this year.
With this change in leadership, Boeing feels that it will lead the company with “a renewed commitment to full transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA, other global regulators and its customers.”
(With input from agencies)