Boeing needs culture change, says Ortberg
March 6, 2025
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has called for a shift toward a more open and collaborative culture within the aerospace giant, urging employees to communicate more freely and work together across different divisions.
His comments came during a company-wide meeting on Wednesday, according to a partial transcript reviewed by Reuters.
Speaking during a webcast from St. Louis, Missouri – home to Boeing’s defence and space division – Ortberg acknowledged shortcomings in the company’s internal communication. “We’re very insular,” he stated, adding that employees often fail to engage across departmental boundaries.
Ortberg emphasised that Boeing’s various teams – including those within its commercial aeroplanes, defence, and global services units – must improve cooperation. “[We] don’t work with each other as well as we could,” he said.
His remarks come at a challenging time for Boeing, which has faced intense scrutiny over its safety practices, production issues, and regulatory concerns.
The company has struggled with delays in aircraft deliveries, quality control lapses, and reputational damage from past safety crises.
Calls for cultural reform have been growing, with analysts and industry observers pointing to the need for greater transparency and internal accountability.
Ortberg’s comments suggest that Boeing’s leadership recognises the urgency of these concerns and is pushing for change to rebuild trust within the company and with the public.
