Dave Calhoun, the chief executive officer of Boeing, is set to step down at the end of this year, marking a significant shift in leadership at the embattled US aircraft manufacturer. The announcement comes amidst a series of top-level personnel changes aimed at navigating the company through a challenging period.

Boeing revealed on Monday that its chair, Larry Kellner, will also depart from the board. Kellner’s position will be assumed by former Qualcomm chief executive Steve Mollenkopf, who will spearhead the search for Calhoun’s successor.

These leadership changes come at a critical juncture for Boeing, as the company grapples with the aftermath of a recent incident in January involving an aircraft door malfunction during flight. The incident, which is under investigation by both the US Department of Justice and the Federal Aviation Administration, has added to the mounting pressures faced by the aerospace giant.

In addition to Calhoun’s impending departure, Boeing announced the immediate retirement of Stan Deal, the head of its commercial aeroplane division. Deal’s tenure has coincided with the turbulence that has plagued the company, and his departure signifies a shift in leadership within a crucial segment of Boeing’s operations. Stephanie Pope, Boeing’s chief operating officer, will step into Deal’s role.

Calhoun characterized the January incident as a “watershed moment” for Boeing, emphasizing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the challenges it faces. In an internal memo to employees, he underscored the importance of responding to the incident with humility and a focus on ensuring safety and reliability.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Boeing’s shares saw a notable uptick of more than 3 percent in pre-market trading following the announcement of the leadership changes. This suggests investor optimism regarding the potential for new leadership to steer the company towards stability and growth.

Calhoun, who has been a member of Boeing’s board since 2009, assumed the role of chief executive four years ago in the aftermath of the 737 Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019, which claimed the lives of 346 individuals. The incidents, attributed to a design flaw affecting the aircraft’s nose, prompted significant scrutiny and legal challenges for Boeing, including a substantial settlement with authorities to defer criminal prosecution for regulatory missteps.

As Boeing looks ahead to a new chapter under fresh leadership, the company faces continued scrutiny, regulatory oversight, and the imperative to rebuild trust and confidence among customers, stakeholders, and the broader aviation community. The incoming leadership team will be tasked with navigating these challenges while charting a course towards sustainable growth and long-term success in an increasingly competitive and complex aerospace landscape.