Boeing CEO Denis Muilenburg ousted as turmoil over 737 Max jets deepens

Chicago/New York: Dennis Muilenburg was ousted as chief executive officer of Boeing Co., a once-unthinkable turning point for a U.S. industrial champion now engulfed in turmoil after two deadly crashes of its top-selling 737 Max jetliner.

David Calhoun, a General Electric Co. veteran who had served as chairman since October, will replace Muilenburg as CEO and president Jan. 13, Boeing said in a statement Monday. The move followed a rare public rebuke earlier this month by the US Federal Aviation Administration. Just last week, Boeing said it would temporarily halt output of the Max, which has been grounded since March.

Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith will serve as interim CEO during the brief transition period, Boeing said. Director Larry Kellner, who once led Continental Airlines, will replace Calhoun as chairman.