Dave Calhoun
Dave Calhoun
Personal Information
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Education & Background
Career Highlights
Wealth
David L. "Dave" Calhoun (born April 18, 1957) is an American business executive who served as president and chief executive officer of Boeing from January 2020 until August 2024.[1] He presided over one of the most turbulent periods in the aerospace giant's history, navigating the aftermath of the Boeing 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people in two disasters.[2]
His tenure ended amid mounting criticism over Boeing's safety culture, whistleblower retaliation allegations, and a dramatic door plug failure on an Alaska Airlines flight in January 2024.[3]
Early life and education
David Lawrence Calhoun was born on April 18, 1957, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Allentown. He was the first in his family to attend college.[4]
He attended Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the Pamplin College of Business in 1979.[5]
Career
General Electric (1979-2006)
Calhoun joined General Electric in 1979 and spent 26 years at the company, rising to vice chairman in 2005.[6]
Nielsen Holdings (2006-2013)
In 2006, Calhoun became CEO of VNU, which he rebranded as Nielsen Holdings. He led the company through restructuring and a 2011 IPO.[7]
Boeing CEO (2020-2024)
On January 13, 2020, Calhoun became Boeing's CEO following the firing of Dennis Muilenburg amid the 737 MAX crisis.[8]
The 737 MAX returned to service in November 2020 after 20 months grounded.[9]
On June 18, 2024, Calhoun testified before the U.S. Senate, admitting Boeing had retaliated against whistleblowers.[10]
His 2023 compensation of $32.77 million drew criticism given Boeing's safety record.[11]
On March 25, 2024, Boeing announced Calhoun would step down by year end. He departed on August 5, 2024, replaced by Kelly Ortberg.[12]
Personal life
Calhoun has been married to his wife Barbara for over 40 years. They have four children.[13]
See also
References
- ↑ <ref>"Boeing Names Calhoun CEO".{Template:Newspaper.December 23, 2019.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"737 MAX Crashes".{Template:Newspaper.March 14, 2019.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Alaska Airlines Door Plug Incident".{Template:Newspaper.January 6, 2024.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Calhoun Virginia Tech Profile".{Template:Newspaper.March 5, 2018.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Virginia Tech Alumni".{Template:Newspaper.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Calhoun GE Career".{Template:Newspaper.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Nielsen IPO".{Template:Newspaper.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Calhoun Takes Boeing Helm".{Template:Newspaper.January 13, 2020.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"737 MAX Returns to Service".{Template:Newspaper.November 18, 2020.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Calhoun Senate Testimony".{Template:Newspaper.June 18, 2024.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Boeing CEO Compensation 2023".{Template:Newspaper.April 15, 2024.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Calhoun Steps Down".{Template:Newspaper.March 25, 2024.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>
- ↑ <ref>"Calhoun Family".{Template:Newspaper.Retrieved December 15, 2025.</ref>