President Kelly Ortberg Appointed As CEO Of Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins today elected its President Kelly Ortberg as the CEO of the company, an additional role appointed to be effective immediately.

Ortberg is the successor to Clay Jones, 64, who will continue as non-executive chairman of the company.

Kelly Ortberg, who became president in September 2012, had earlier served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Government Systems, under which the company had won major program contracts, including avionics business on the KC-46A, KC-10 and the Embraer KC-390.

He also was involved in the development programs for the Boeing 787, Airbus A350 and Bombardier CSeries. In addition to this, Ortberg led the launch of the company’s Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system.

“We’re fortunate to have such a proven and qualified successor as CEO,” said Anthony Carbone, the company’s lead independent director. “Kelly’s strong record of success, passion to win and extensive knowledge of our customers and business make him the ideal choice to lead Rockwell Collins into the future.”

“As we welcome Kelly to his new role, we owe a great deal of gratitude and admiration to Clay for his tireless efforts working on behalf of our customers, shareholders and employees. He is a widely recognized and deeply respected industry leader, and we look forward to his continued guidance as board chairman,” Carbone added.