Boeing’s search to replace its CEO Dave Calhoun is ongoing as the field of potential candidates narrows, according to the Wall Street Journal.
On June 17, 2024, the newspaper reported that GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp declined to be considered for one of the most challenging roles in aviation.
Another candidate is thought to be Spirit AeroSystems boss Pat Shanahan, who previously spent 30 years at Boeing in various roles.
It is understood that Shanahan held talks with Boeing, but any further progress is on hold while the planemaker discusses taking over Spirit AeroSystems.
Culp was considered a natural replacement for Boeing due to the success he has had during his time at GE Aerospace, but he reportedly wants to stay where he is to focus on making jet engines.
A lot of analysis surrounding the future Boeing CEO has focused on a need for someone with engineering expertise rather than a background in finance and that they should be located near Boeing’s facilities in Everett.
Boeing has faced criticism since a door plug separated from an Alaska Airlines 737-8 shortly after takeoff on January 5, 2024, plus other safety and production failings that were subsequently discovered, for being too focused on profits rather than quality.
The CEO of Carrier Corporation David Gitlin was also said to be a favored candidate for the Boeing CEO role, but he also declined an approach.
Internally Boeing Chairman Steven Mollenkopf and Operating Chief Stephanie Pope have been rumored to be contenders for the top position.
On June 18, 2024, Dave Calhoun will appear in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations to answer questions on “Boeing’s broken safety culture”.
It’s expected he will be grilled by senators over safety problems at the company, quality control and the treatment of whistleblowers.