Boeing’s Revival Under Kelly Ortberg
Since taking the helm at Boeing in August 2024, CEO Kelly Ortberg has spearheaded a remarkable turnaround for the aerospace manufacturer, which had been plagued by a series of crises. Ortberg, a seasoned engineer and former CEO of Rockwell Collins, has reinstated an ‘engineering-first’ culture, marking a significant departure from the company’s previous focus on profits over quality.
Boeing faced mounting challenges before Ortberg’s arrival, including the fallout from the 737 Max crashes, a door-plug blowout incident in early 2024, and significant financial losses in its defense and space division. Federal regulators had frozen Max production, and the company was grappling with the integration of Spirit AeroSystems, its fuselage supplier, and the threat of a crippling strike from its machinists union.
"Boeing found its change-agent in Ortberg," says Scott Mikus, an analyst at Melius Research. "Thanks to Ortberg, the dream of a great industrial company is still alive."
Ortberg’s methodical approach prioritizes quality, reliability, and on-time delivery, while fostering win-win agreements with suppliers and improving labor relations. His leadership has also introduced a new cultural tone within Boeing, tying pay and promotions to how employees treat and respect one another, in addition to their work performance.
With Ortberg at the helm, Boeing is on track to achieve one of the most dramatic comebacks in corporate history, proving that a return to engineering fundamentals and collaborative leadership can restore even the most iconic of American manufacturers.