Boeing Elevates Veteran Exec Stephanie Pope to Chief Operating Officer Post

Boeing Company revealed it has appointed Stephanie Pope to be its new chief operating officer. The aircraft manufacturing company publicized the promotion of the company's 30-year veteran on Monday, Dec. 11.

With her new role, Pope is now being seen as one of the top contenders for the CEO post once David Calhoun decided to step down. Along with her new COO title, she will also be serving as executive vice president of The Boeing Company, as per Reuters.

Newly Added Executive Position

The COO executive senior job was reported as a newly created role in Boeing. This makes Pope the very first exec to handle the post. Her appointment will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and she is expected to report directly to the president and chief executive officer, Dave Calhoun.

Prior to her promotion, she led Boeing Global Services (BGS) as head of the unit that manages the firm's aftermarket business, including maintenance, modifications, engineering, and upgrades. She has been in this post since April 2022.

Pope's New Responsibilities as COO

As the new chief operating officer at Boeing, Pope will supervise the performance of the firm's three business units. These divisions' CEOs, the president of Boeing Global, and the Boeing chief engineer are also expected to report directly to COO Pope.

"Stephanie brings tremendous operational, financial, and customer experience to this role, as well as a proven record of performance across our commercial, defense and services business units," Boeing's president and chief executive officer, Dave Calhoun, said in a press release. "Next year will be a significant transitional year in our performance as we continue to restore our operational and financial strength; and Stephanie will help drive the stability and predictability necessary to ensure we deliver on our customer, employee, regulatory, investor, and other stakeholder commitments."

In accepting her new role in the company, Pope said she is honored to work for Boeing in a new position. She added that she looks forward to working closely with the CEO, the Executive Council, and everyone else on the team.

"Together, we will continue to improve operating performance and remain committed to delivering for our customers, while ensuring the highest levels of safety, quality and transparency in all that we do," the new COO said.

Meanwhile, Pope's successor as the head of Boeing Global Services has yet to be announced. Her replacement is expected to be introduced at a later date.

Photo by: Boeing Press Release