Boeing’s Low-Key Chairman Steps Into Spotlight With CEO Hunt (1)

As Boeing Co.’s board searches for a chief executive officer to steer the US planemaker out of its worst crisis in years, directors are intent on finding a leader who can make a fresh start — meaning deep aerospace experience isn’t necessarily required.

That opens the door to industry outsiders, and it’s heightened interest in the intentions of the former technology executive leading the recruitment drive: Boeing Chairman Steve Mollenkopf, the former Qualcomm Inc. CEO, an engineer by training who’s no stranger to corporate turmoil.

Mollenkopf isn’t tipping his hand as to the search ...