Robert Kelly Ortberg (born April 1960) is an American business executive currently serving as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of The Boeing Company. A seasoned aerospace industry veteran, Ortberg is widely recognized for his engineering background and his operational leadership in the development and integration of complex aviation systems. Born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, Ortberg pursued his higher education at the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1982. He began his professional career in 1983 as an engineer at Texas Instruments, gaining early exposure to systems engineering and technical development. In 1987, he transitioned to Rockwell Collins, an Iowa-based manufacturer of aviation electronics. Over the subsequent three decades, Ortberg ascended through various management and executive roles, including program manager, vice president, and general manager of communication systems. His leadership at Rockwell Collins marked a significant trajectory in his career. In 2013, he was named the president and CEO of the company, and in 2015, he assumed the role of chairman. During his tenure as CEO, Ortberg spearheaded the company’s strategic expansion, overseeing major acquisitions such as ARINC in 2013 and B/E Aerospace in 2017. These moves diversified the firm’s portfolio and strengthened its position in the global aerospace market. Following the acquisition of Rockwell Collins by United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in 2018, Ortberg served as the CEO of the newly formed Collins Aerospace, leading the integration of the two entities. He continued to serve in an advisory capacity at RTX Corporation (the parent company formed by the merger of United Technologies and Raytheon) until his retirement in 2021. After a brief period in retirement, Ortberg returned to the corporate sector in August 2024, when the Boeing board of directors appointed him as the company’s president and CEO, succeeding Dave Calhoun. His appointment came at a critical juncture for Boeing, as the company faced intense regulatory scrutiny, safety concerns, and production challenges. Since assuming the role, Ortberg has focused on operational stabilization, workforce engagement, and restoring quality control within the organization’s manufacturing processes. He notably chose to base himself in the Seattle, Washington area, closer to Boeing’s major commercial aircraft assembly facilities, to maintain direct oversight of the company's production lines. Beyond his executive duties, Ortberg has maintained a commitment to engineering advocacy and industry governance. He has served on the board of directors for Aptiv PLC and the Aerospace Industries Association, and he has been an active supporter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through his involvement with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and the University of Iowa Engineering Advisory Board. He is married to Valerie Dee Heitman, with whom he has two children. Known for his reputation as an "engineer's engineer," Ortberg is widely regarded in the industry for his technical acumen and his methodical approach to addressing complex manufacturing and supply chain challenges.