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Larry Kellner
Former Boeing Board Chairman
Chairman of Boeing's Board of Directors during the 737 MAX crisis; oversaw the board that prioritized stock buybacks and executive compensation over safety culture reform
Overview
Lawrence W. "Larry" Kellner is a former CEO of Continental Airlines who served as Chairman of Boeing's Board of Directors from 2019 to 2024; assuming the chairmanship in the aftermath of the two 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people (Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019). As board chairman; Kellner oversaw Boeing during a period of continued safety failures; whistleblower retaliation allegations; and quality control breakdowns. The board under Kellner authorized $44 billion in stock buybacks between 2013 and 2019 and signed off on $62 million in compensation for CEO Dennis Muilenburg even as the 737 MAX was grounded worldwide. The board was criticized for its deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice in January 2021; in which Boeing paid $2.5 billion (including a $243.6 million criminal penalty) to resolve fraud charges related to the 737 MAX; the DOJ found Boeing pilots had deceived the FAA about the MCAS flight control system. In January 2024; an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 door plug blew out mid-flight; exposing continued quality control failures years after the MAX crashes. Boeing whistleblowers; including John Barnett (who died in March 2024 during his legal deposition against Boeing; officially ruled a suicide) and Sam Salehpour; reported systemic safety and quality concerns. Kellner stepped down as chairman in 2024 amid calls for a complete overhaul of Boeing's leadership.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Chaired Boeing's board during continued safety crises following two 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people
Board authorized $44 billion in stock buybacks and $62 million CEO compensation while safety culture deteriorated
Oversaw Boeing during deferred prosecution agreement for fraud related to 737 MAX; $2.5 billion settlement
January 2024 Alaska Airlines door plug blowout exposed continued quality control failures under his chairmanship
Boeing whistleblower John Barnett died during legal deposition against Boeing during Kellner's tenure as chairman
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Dennis Muilenburg
Boeing CEO during 737 MAX crisis whom the board eventually removed
David Calhoun
Boeing CEO under Kellner's chairmanship after Muilenburg
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Also Known As
- Lawrence W. Kellner
Education
Key Timeline
2019
Becomes Chairman of Boeing's Board of Directors after 737 MAX grounding
January 2021
Boeing enters deferred prosecution agreement with DOJ over 737 MAX fraud; pays $2.5 billion
January 5, 2024
Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door plug blows out mid-flight; exposing continued safety failures
March 2024
Boeing whistleblower John Barnett dies during legal deposition against Boeing
2024
Steps down as Boeing board chairman amid calls for leadership overhaul