Boeing, a global market leader in the manufacture of jet liners, missile systems, satellites, defense systems, and more recently, unmanned air vehicles, has undergone a significant transition in its top leadership. As of May 1, 2020, the company has welcomed its new CEO, Douglas Ortberg, a corporate outsider who has a different perspective for steering the industrial giant through its turbulent times. Ortberg has taken the helm not from the boardroom, but rather from the factory floor, an uncommon occurrence that promises a distinct trajectory for the company.
Ortberg, an alumnus of the University of Iowa’s engineering program, is renowned for his technical acumen and a successful tenure as CEO of Collins Aerospace. This perspective complements Boeing’s industrial profile, which leans heavily on engineering and technological innovation. His technological fortitude will certainly prove instrumental in the face of the company’s recent challenges, including the 737 MAX crisis and the global pandemic’s significant blow to the aerospace industry.
Being the first-outsider CEO in more than a decade, Ortberg brings a fresh perspective to the company’s undertaking. Notably, he has emphasized his desire to spend substantial time on the factory floor. This potential antidote to the myopia of the boardroom comes because Ortberg firmly believes that insight from the factory floor is invaluable. This philosophy is inspired by his early days as an engineer, where he underscored the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges that frontline workers face. He is an advocate of making informed and collective decisions that factor in the experiences of every stakeholder.
Douglas Ortberg is a firm believer in culture change as a crucial path for Boeing to navigate and bounce back from its challenging circumstances. Altering the corporate culture is definitely no smooth sailing, but Ortberg is resolute and confident that a transparent, inclusive, and integrity-based culture is a requisite for a robust Boeing that sets the standard in aerospace excellence.
As part of its transformational strategy, Boeing has expressed its determination to prioritize safety and quality. In this vein, Ortberg’s knowledge of regulation and safety practices will be invaluable. Having led Collins Aerospace through similar challenging waters, his experience is a bankable asset that the company aims to leverage as it navigates the turbulent climate. His commitment to effective leadership, safety, and sound management principles is anticipated to be a calming and steady influence for the company’s future.
In summary, Ortberg’s rare blend of technical expertise, industry experience, and empathetic leadership makes him an ideal choice for the role of Boeing’s outsider CEO. His unique appreciation of factory floor input, coupled with his passion for culture change and safety, heralds a new era of restoration and transformation for Boeing.