Boeing's head of defense unit Ted Colbert to leave

Boeing's defense chief to depart

Ted Colbert, the head of Boeing's defense unit, has announced he will step down at the end of the year. Colbert has been with Boeing for 34 years, and has led the defense unit since 2016.

Colbert's legacy

Colbert has overseen a period of significant growth for Boeing's defense business, which now accounts for about a third of the company's total revenue. He has also led the development of a number of new products, including the F-15EX fighter jet and the T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet.

Boeing's future

Colbert's departure comes at a time when Boeing is facing a number of challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the grounding of the 737 MAX aircraft. It is not yet clear who will replace Colbert, but the company is expected to announce a new leader in the coming weeks.

Industry reaction

Colbert's departure has been met with mixed reactions from industry analysts. Some analysts believe that Colbert's departure will create uncertainty for Boeing's defense business, while others believe that the company is well-positioned to weather the transition.

Boeing's statement

In a statement, Boeing said that it "thanks Ted for his many years of service to the company and wishes him well in his future endeavors." The company also said that it is "committed to the continued success of our defense business."