Stephanie Pope’s unexpected appointment as chief operating officer of Boeing has raised skepticism among industry observers regarding her ability to fix the troubled airliner division. The former finance specialist, known for running the aftermarket parts and services division, is now tasked with running the commercial airline business in the wake of recent crises, including a midair blowout of a panel on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX. With Boeing facing pressure from federal investigations and angry customers over production delays, there is now doubt whether Pope will eventually succeed CEO David Calhoun.
Boeing’s board has announced its search for a new CEO to replace Calhoun, who plans to leave by the end of the year. Pope’s sudden transition to leading the commercial airplane division has raised doubts among industry observers and Wall Street analysts. The company’s manufacturing processes have come under scrutiny, with an FAA audit finding deficiencies in the production of the 737 MAX. Production of the company’s best-selling plane has slowed down as Boeing works to address these issues, highlighting the need for someone with manufacturing experience at the helm.
Despite criticism and skepticism from industry experts, Calhoun and the board seem to have faith in Pope’s abilities to lead Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Former colleagues who worked with Pope over the years describe her as a skilled leader with the ability to gather information, build consensus, and lead teams effectively. While she may not have the engineering background traditionally associated with leading an airplane division, her leadership style and interpersonal skills are seen as qualities that could benefit Boeing in a challenging time.
Pope’s career at Boeing began in 1994 as a financial analyst at McDonnell Douglas, which was later acquired by Boeing. Over the years, she rose through the ranks in finance management positions, impressing colleagues with her insights and leadership abilities. Former bosses and colleagues describe her as a positive and even-tempered individual, with a knack for handling complex and sensitive issues. Pope’s previous roles at Boeing, including head of investor relations and vice president of financial planning and analysis, required her to delve deep into the company’s operations and navigate challenging situations with grace.
While Pope may lack experience managing a plane program and dealing directly with plane buyers, her track record at Boeing suggests she has the potential to tackle the company’s current challenges. As she takes on the role of leading Boeing Commercial Airplanes, there are questions about her ability to address the production system’s shortcomings and restore customer confidence. With a workforce that may be feeling alienated and uncertain, Pope will need to reassure customers, motivate employees, and establish a vision for the company’s future. As Boeing seeks to recover from recent setbacks and regain its engineering prowess, Pope’s leadership and management skills will be put to the test.
