23 December, 2019

Boeing fire Dennis Muilenburg

The US planemaker Boeing has fired its chief executive, Dennis Muilenburg following the recent announcement that it was finally suspending production of the grounded 737 Max until further notice.

In recent weeks there has been much pressure on Boeing to make stand after US lawmakers looking into the two crashes found out that Boeing knew the 737 Max would crash again after the Lion Air disaster, yet still allowed it to continue flying, resulting in the Ehtionpan crash, with a total loss of life exceeding 340 in both crashes.

There have also been recent claims by former workers at the manufacturer's 737 Max production facilities that the firm prioritised profits and ramping up production rates over safety. Claims vehemently denied by the company. 

The decision to sack Muilenburg was according to directors, "necessary to restore confidence" in the company. The board said it had "decided 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".

David Calhoun, who has served on the firm's board since 2009 and is its current chairman has been appointed to the role of chief executive and president, with the effect of 13th January. Lawrence W. Kellner said, "On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased that Dave has agreed to lead Boeing at this critical juncture," Mr Kellner said.  He added, "Dave has deep industry experience and a proven track record of strong leadership, and he recognizes the challenges we must confront. The Board and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the Boeing team to ensure that today marks a new way forward for our company."

Lawrence Kellner, a board member since 2011, is to become non-executive chairman with immediate effect. The company said "Under the company's new leadership, Boeing will operate with a renewed commitment to full transparency, including effective and proactive communication with the FAA, other global regulators and its customers," it said.

Boeing's reputation was further tarnished on Friday when its Starliner spacecraft suffered a number of technical issues which prevented it from following the correct flight path and speed to dock with the International Space Station.




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