Boeing CEO resigning amid 737 Max issues

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg is resigning from the top spot of the company, as the airline manufacturer struggles with the ongoing crisis surrounding the grounding of the popular 737 Max jet, the company announced Monday. 

Muilenburg will remain a member of the board. 

He will be replaced by board member David Calhoun. 

“The Board of Directors has 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,” Boeing said in the announcement. 

The change comes as the popular aircraft model remains grounded after two fatal crashes in late 2018 and early 2019. The two crashes collectively killed 346 people. 

Boeing announced earlier this month it would halt production of the 737 Max aircraft in January as regulators wait to clear the jets to return. 

Boeing stripped Muilenburg of his chairman title in October. 

“I strongly believe in the future of Boeing and the 737 MAX. I am honored to lead this great company and the 150,000 dedicated employees who are working hard to create the future of aviation,” Calhoun said in a statement. 

Board member Lawrence Kellner will become the non-executive chairman of the board effective immediately, Boeing said. 

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased that Dave has agreed to lead Boeing at this critical juncture,” Kellner said.  

“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,” he added.