Pope Steps Down as COO of Boeing, Continues to Lead Commercial Airplanes Unit
Boeing recently announced a significant change in its leadership structure, revealing that Stephanie Pope, the company’s chief operating officer, will no longer hold the COO title but will continue to lead the commercial airplane unit. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the Fortune 500 aerospace and defense contractor.
Having spent three decades at Boeing, Pope has held various senior leadership positions at different levels within the organization. Her extensive career and expertise have made her a valuable asset to the company. Despite stepping down as COO, Pope will still serve as Boeing’s executive vice president and retain her roles as president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The decision to eliminate the COO position comes as part of a broader restructuring effort led by the new CEO, Robert “Kelly” Ortberg. The company has no plans to appoint a new COO, indicating a shift towards a more streamlined organizational structure. Pope’s continued leadership within the company underscores her significance to Boeing and her integral role in driving the success of the commercial airplane unit.
Pope’s promotion to lead the Boeing Commercial Airplanes business unit came in the wake of a tumultuous period for the company, marked by a series of challenges and crises. In January 2024, a Boeing 737 Jet experienced a midair panel blowout while carrying Alaska Airlines passengers, prompting a criminal investigation by the Justice Department and raising concerns about passenger safety.
The fallout from this incident, coupled with ongoing production issues and declining sales, led to the resignation of former CEO Dave Calhoun in March 2024. Pope was then appointed to succeed Calhoun as the head of the Boeing Commercial Airplanes unit, signaling a new chapter for the company under Ortberg’s leadership.
As the leader of the commercial airplane unit, Pope is responsible for overseeing the design, production, and delivery of advanced jetliners to customers worldwide. Her strategic vision and operational expertise will be vital in driving growth and innovation within this critical segment of Boeing’s business.
Overall, Pope’s transition from COO to head of the commercial airplanes unit reflects Boeing’s commitment to adapting to changing market dynamics and optimizing its organizational structure for future success. Under her leadership, the company is well-positioned to navigate challenges, drive operational excellence, and continue delivering cutting-edge aerospace solutions to customers globally.
