© Reuters Boeing (BA)'s 737 MAX program chief leaves the company – Report
Ed Clark, the executive leading Boeing's (NYSE:) 737 MAX program, has resigned, Reuters reported on Wednesday after obtaining a company memo.
The move comes as the company faces increased scrutiny from regulators, customers and lawmakers over its manufacturing and safety standards following a January 5 accident in which a panel on Alaska Airlines' new MAX 9 plane came off mid-flight. , which took place during difficult times.
Clark's departure follows a recent meeting of Boeing's board of directors, Reuters reported. He was responsible for the company's manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, where the aircraft in question were assembled.
Katie Ringgold will take over Clark's role as Boeing Commercial Airplanes' new vice president and general manager, as revealed in a memo distributed by Stan Diehl, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Diehl said the company strives to ensure that “every aircraft we deliver meets or exceeds all quality and safety requirements.”
“Our customers demand and deserve more,” he said.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is scheduled to meet with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker next week. The meeting was set up after Whitaker visited the Renton facility for a first-hand tour of the 737 manufacturing plant.
The regulator said the FAA chief “will discuss what he observed during his visit to Boeing with Boeing executives who will be in Washington for discussions” about Boeing's focus on quality control and other issues. said.
Boeing stock fell about 1% on Wednesday.
