Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s new CEO

MEXICO - Boeing named former Rockwell Collins executive Kelly Ortberg as its new president and CEO, charging the aerospace industry veteran with the task of leading the struggling aircraft maker forward.

The appointment comes after months of deliberation by Boeing, which is trying to salvage its reputation and address safety-related issues following an Alaska Airlines accident where the MAX 9 jetliner suffered a mid-air explosion.

Ortberg began his career as an engineer at semiconductor manufacturer Texas Instruments before moving to aeronautical electronics supplier Rockwell Collins as a program manager and holding key leadership positions at the company before becoming its CEO in 2013.

He led the company's merger with United Technologies and RTX until his retirement in 2021.

During his tenure at Rockwell Collins Ortberg also oversaw the company's development programs for Airbus A350 XWB, Boeing 787 and Bombardier CSeries.

Ortberg also serves on the board of directors of automotive parts supplier Aptiv PLC and used to chair the Board of Governors of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA).

Ortberg will focus on helping Boeing overcome its regulatory and safety hurdles as the U.S. aircraft manufacturer tries to catch up with rival Airbus.