Kelly Ortberg, the President and Chief Executive Officer at The Boeing Company, is steering the global aerospace giant toward new heights. With an illustrious career spanning over 35 years, Ortberg has left an indelible mark on commercial and military aviation. Before assuming the reins at Boeing on August 8, 2024, he held key leadership roles at Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace, and RTX Corporation. A renowned innovator and strategist, Ortberg has driven transformative advancements in avionics, defense systems, and aerospace technologies, propelling the growth and evolution of multiple global aviation businesses.
Kelly Ortberg's fascination with engineering and technology began early in life, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career in aviation. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Ortberg pursued his passion for mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. During his time at the university, he developed a strong foundation in aerospace engineering, cultivating problem-solving expertise and technical knowledge that would become hallmarks of his professional success.
Ortberg remains committed to his alma mater, serving on the University of Iowa Engineering Advisory Board and contributing to STEM education initiatives that inspire future generations of engineers and innovators.
Ortberg’s illustrious career spans over four decades, marked by strategic leadership, innovative vision, and exceptional industry expertise. Beginning as an engineer at Texas Instruments in 1983, Ortberg swiftly transitioned to Rockwell Collins in 1987, assuming the role of program manager. Over the next three decades, he ascended through the ranks, holding various leadership positions, including CEO from 2013 to 2018 and chairman from 2015 to 2018.
Following Rockwell Collins' integration into United Technologies, Ortberg served as CEO of Collins Aerospace from 2018 to 2020, driving growth and innovation. After a brief advisory stint at RTX Corporation, he assumed the presidency and CEO role at Boeing in 2024. Throughout his remarkable career, Ortberg has consistently demonstrated his ability to spearhead technological innovation, negotiate high-profile defense contracts, and position aerospace companies for long-term success and market leadership.
Boeing uses AI to enhance procurement, aircraft maintenance, defense, and future mobility. By integrating automation, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems, Boeing drives innovation, efficiency, and safety across aerospace, defense, and urban air mobility solutions.
AI in Procurement: Boeing utilizes GenAI-powered solutions to streamline procurement, ensuring safety and efficiency. Predictive data models, powered by machine learning, detect potential safety risks and mitigate threats before they escalate.
Aircraft Maintenance Systems: Boeing partners with AIESL to harmonize aircraft maintenance training in India, leveraging AI-powered tools. This initiative enhances employee skills, enforces regulatory compliance, and bolsters India's MRO sector through AI-enabled training, predictive analysis, and automation.
Advancing AI in Aerospace: Boeing employs AI and machine learning to develop autonomous systems, elevating safety and efficiency. Its AI innovations enable real-time threat detection, intelligent decision-making, and seamless human-machine collaboration, transforming aviation and aerospace operations.
Fairmarkit: Boeing collaborates with industry leaders, such as Fairmarkit, Shield AI, and Trusted Autonomous Systems DCRC, to integrate AI and autonomous technologies into defense programs. Additionally, Boeing NeXt invests in next-generation transport, including hypersonic travel, electric VTOL aircraft, and AI-driven autonomous flight.
Enhance Aircraft Training: Boeing has partnered with AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) to revolutionize aircraft training in India. By sharing AI-based training aids, materials, and instructor expertise, Boeing aims to enhance AIESL's programs and address India's growing demand for skilled pilots and technicians.
Boeing’s AI Research for Defense: Boeing Australia is collaborating with Trusted Autonomous Systems DCRC to develop AI-powered unmanned defense systems. These systems utilize cognitive AI algorithms to navigate, respond to threats, and make autonomous decisions.
Boeing’s AI-Driven Jet Teaming: Boeing was able to conduct successful tests on five AI-enabled jets flying independently in Australia. The tests involved AI-based coordination, data transfer, and mission accomplishment, and represent a giant leap in autonomous defense aviation.
AI in Military Autonomy: Boeing Australia will collaborate with the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre to design AI technologies for autonomous military systems, including route planning, object recognition, and autonomous decision-making.
AI Partnerships: Boeing and Shield AI have entered into a memorandum of understanding to work together on the integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies into defense programs. Shield AI's "Hivemind" AI pilot, which can fly drones and fighter jets without GPS or communications, will be investigated for Boeing's existing and future military platforms.
AI investment: Boeing NeXt invests in the development of next-generation transport by means of hypersonic travel, electric VTOL aircraft, AI-driven autonomous flight, and blockchain-protected security. It wants to bring smart city infrastructure together, with secure and efficient urban mobility.
As of February 12, 2025, Kelly Ortberg's net worth stands at a minimum of $23.5 million. His investment portfolio is heavily anchored in RTX Corporation, where he holds approximately 135,534 shares, valued at around $17.3 million.
Ortberg has been actively managing his holdings, participating in three insider transactions since 2021. These transactions involved the sale of 70,294 RTX shares, generating proceeds of approximately $6.2 million. Notably, his largest transaction occurred on July 15, 2021, when he sold 42,570 shares.
As a seasoned leader in the aerospace industry, Ortberg's financial success is a testament to his strategic vision and ability to drive growth and shareholder value at prominent companies like Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and Rockwell Collins.
Kelly Ortberg, a seasoned aerospace leader with over 35 years of experience, has been at the helm of Boeing as President and CEO since August 2024. His distinguished career spans multiple leadership roles, including:
CEO of Rockwell Collins (2013-2018), where he spearheaded commercial and defense aviation, product innovation, and strategic development.
Leading the merger with United Technologies and subsequently guiding Collins Aerospace.
Serving as a consultant and board member at RTX Corporation.
As Boeing's leader, Ortberg leverages his expertise to drive innovation, global expansion, and operational excellence. He also serves on the boards of Aptiv PLC and the University of Iowa Engineering Advisory Board.
The Boeing CEO has faced severe criticism for safety lapses, regulatory infractions, and corporate culture issues. Leadership decisions during the 737 MAX crisis, whistleblower allegations, and lawsuits have raised concerns about accountability and transparency.
Boeing 737 Max Controversy: The Boeing 737 MAX faced international scrutiny after two deadly crashes claimed 346 lives. The aftermath saw regulator groundings, CEO departures, and criminal investigations, with safety, manufacturing, and corporate responsibility under intense scrutiny.
MCAS System Flaws: The design of Boeing's MCAS system was criticized for relying on a single angle of attack sensor, increasing the likelihood of failure. Inadequate pilot information and training further exacerbated safety concerns, contributing to the fatal crashes.
FAA Oversight Issues: Following a mid-air door plug incident, the Federal Aviation Administration intensified its scrutiny of Boeing 737 MAX manufacturing. Groundings, audits, and a mandated safety overhaul revealed significant quality-control deficits, prompting Boeing to overhaul its safety culture and manufacturing practices to regain regulatory confidence.
Whistleblower Retaliation: Boeing has faced accusations of retaliating against whistleblowers who reported safety concerns regarding the 737 MAX and other aircraft. Alleged abuses include suppressing internal warnings, job loss, and harassment, highlighting the need for corporate accountability and transparency in aviation safety.
Plea Deal and Defense Contracts: Boeing's plea bargain in the 737 MAX tragedies has raised doubts about its suitability for U.S. defense contracts. Although the law prohibits convicted companies from receiving contracts, government waivers offer an alternative, sparking outrage among victims' families who feel the punishments are too lenient.
Corporate Culture Crisis: Boeing's leadership failures and safety lapses, highlighted by whistleblower John Barnett's death, delivery delays, and aircraft defects, have triggered regulatory scrutiny, eroded shareholder confidence, and led to CEO Dave Calhoun's resignation amid broader management shakeups.