Ted Colbert, the president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), will be leaving the beleaguered company, Boeing announced Friday.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told employees in a letter that the company’s priority “is to restore the trust of our customers and meet the high standards they expect of us to enable their critical missions around the world.”
“I want to thank Ted for his 15 years of service at The Boeing Company, supporting our customers, our people and our communities,” he said in the letter.
In this Nov. 13, 2023, file photo, Ted Colbert, chief executive officer of the defense, space and security unit of Boeing Co., speaks during a Bloomberg television interview at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE
Steve Parker will oversee BDS until a permanent replacement is found, according to Ortberg.
The company has endured tremendous financial pressures and extra scrutiny following a series of failures involving its aircraft and supply.
On Jan. 5, a door plug blew out of the company’s 737 Max 9 aircraft at around 15,000 feet in altitude during an Alaska Airlines flight, prompting a federal investigation.
Boeing Starliner, a spacecraft that was being developed for NASA Commercial Crew Program, was hit with several delays and rising costs before its first crewed launch to the International Space Station in June.
However the spacecraft was forced to return without its astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams earlier this month after tests showed there was too much risk with regard to the vehicle’s thrusters for re-entry.
The astronauts are scheduled to return next year aboard another craft, extending their stay at the ISS by several months.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and board chairman Larry Kellner both announced their resignations in light of the investigations.
Last week, tens of thousands of Boeing workers voted to strike after rejecting the proposed contract.
President of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, Leanne Caret, has announced her departure from the company after a successful tenure of nearly six years. Caret, who has been with Boeing for over 30 years, made the decision to step down in order to pursue new opportunities outside of the aerospace industry.
During her time as President of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, Caret oversaw a number of significant achievements and milestones for the company. Under her leadership, Boeing secured several major contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, including the development of the KC-46 tanker aircraft and the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling drone.
Caret also played a key role in expanding Boeing’s presence in the international defense market, forging partnerships with foreign governments and defense contractors to deliver cutting-edge technology and capabilities to customers around the world. Her commitment to innovation and excellence has helped position Boeing as a leader in the defense and aerospace industry.
In a statement announcing her departure, Caret expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Boeing Defense, Space and Security and thanked her colleagues for their dedication and hard work. She also expressed confidence in the future of the company, citing its strong leadership team and talented workforce as key assets that will continue to drive success in the years to come.
Boeing has not yet announced a successor to Caret, but the company is expected to conduct a thorough search to find a qualified candidate to fill her shoes. In the meantime, Caret will work closely with Boeing’s executive team to ensure a smooth transition and provide support as needed.
As Caret prepares to embark on a new chapter in her career, her departure marks the end of an era for Boeing Defense, Space and Security. Her leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the company, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of aerospace professionals for years to come.
