Boeing’s low-key chairman steps into spotlight with CEO search

As Boeing’s board searches for a CEO to steer the US planemaker out of its worst crisis in years, directors are intent on finding a leader who can make a fresh start — meaning deep aerospace experience isn’t necessarily required. That opens the door to industry outsiders, and it’s heightened interest in the intentions of the former technology executive leading the recruitment drive: Boeing Chairman Steve Mollenkopf, the former Qualcomm Inc. CEO, an engineer by training who’s no stranger to corporate turmoil. Mollenkopf isn’t tipping his hand as to the search process. Privately, he’s been sounding out Boeing suppliers and airline customers on their frustrations to get a better sense of the magnitude of the clean-up facing the company’s next leader. His methodical fact-finding suggests the CEO hunt is still in the early stages, with executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates Inc. aiding the process, according to people familiar with the process. That adds to the intrigue as Mollenkopf makes his first public appearance as chairman at Boeing’s annual general meeting on Friday. While such gatherings are often mundane affairs, the virtual session will be closely watched for any hints Mollenkopf and current CEO Dave Calhoun provide on the state of affairs. Even the election of directors will contain an element of drama: proxy adviser Glass Lewis & Co. recommended investors vote against Calhoun and directors David Joyce and Akhil Johri, citing “significant concerns” about the planemaker’s safety culture<br/>