Boeing Removes Head of 737 Max Program Amid Leadership Overhaul

Image: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max in Seattle. (Photo Credit: Kyo46/Adobe Stock)
Image: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max in Seattle. (Photo Credit: Kyo46/Adobe Stock)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 2:50 PM ET, Wed February 21, 2024

Boeing has announced that the head of its beleaguered 737 Max program, Ed Clark, is leaving the company in the wake of a terrifying mid-air door panel blowout aboard an Alaska Airlines flight in January.

According to NBC News, Boeing Executive Vice President Stanley A. Deal announced multiple leadership changes within its Commercial Airplanes unit in an email to employees on Wednesday.

"Ed departs with my, and our, deepest gratitude for his many significant contributions over nearly 18 years of dedicated service to Boeing," said Deal.

Clark will be replaced by Katie Ringgold, who had been Vice President, 737 Delivery Operations.

The besieged Virginia-based aircraft manufacturer also created a new executive position, Senior Vice President for BCA Quality, naming Elizabeth Lund to the role.

Lund had previously served as senior vice president and general manager of airplane programs for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, a role that included overseeing the 737 Max program in addition to other passenger jet models.

Senior vice president of development programs and customer support Mike Fleming will take over Lund’s previous job.

According to Deal, the shake-up is the result of an "enhanced focus on ensuring that every airplane we deliver meets or exceeds all quality and safety requirements."

"Our customers demand, and deserve, nothing less," he said.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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