Boeing's chief lobbyist ziad ojakli exits amid controversy
- Ziad Ojakli has left Boeing, effective immediately, and is replaced by Bill McSherry on an interim basis.
- Ojakli's exit comes amid heightened scrutiny of Boeing following several incidents and increased turnover among key executives.
- The company’s stock has declined 39% this year, prompting a need for strategic change and leadership stability.
In the United States, Boeing's head of government affairs and chief lobbyist Ziad Ojakli has reportedly left the company. His departure comes as Boeing continues to face significant challenges, including heightened public and regulatory scrutiny following various incidents, including a door plug flying off an Alaska Airlines plane earlier this year. This scrutiny has intensified due to ongoing concerns about the company's operational practices and safety measures. Ziad Ojakli, who served as executive vice president of Government Operations at Boeing since October 2021, has previously held roles with Ford and Softbank and worked as an aide to former President George W. Bush. His immediate departure comes as part of the organization's ongoing restructuring efforts amid a tumultuous period that has seen several key executives leave. Bill McSherry has been appointed to take over Ojakli's responsibilities on an interim basis as the company navigates this critical transition. This change in leadership is part of a broader trend at Boeing, as the company has experienced significant turnover among its upper management in recent months. Prior to Ojakli's departure, the head of quality for commercial airplanes, Elizabeth Lund, announced her retirement, which is set to take effect next month. Additionally, Ted Colbert, who headed the company’s space and defense unit, left in September. This wave of executive changes has raised concerns among investors about the stability of Boeing's strategic direction amid ongoing operational challenges. Moreover, Boeing's stock has witnessed a considerable decline, with shares falling nearly 39% year-to-date, reflecting the market's reaction to the company's deteriorating reputation and the operational setbacks it has faced. As such, Ojakli's exit may signal a necessary shift for Boeing, prompting discussions about the need for a more robust and proactive approach to address the company's challenges moving forward. The company has not publicly commented on the transition as it continues to grapple with its internal and external pressures.