Dave Calhoun is the president and CEO of Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems. He took over the helm of Boeing in January 2020, amid a crisis caused by two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry.
In this article, we will explore Dave Calhoun’s salary, net worth, earning career, education and bio, and how he has led Boeing through challenging times. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about him.
Salary and Net Worth
According to Boeing’s proxy statement filed in March, Dave Calhoun received a total compensation of $21 million for his work in 2020. However, he gave up $3.6 million in salary and bonuses after the coronavirus pandemic hit and devastated the industry. He took just $269,231 of his $1.4 million salary for the year.
The majority of Calhoun’s pay package, disclosed when he became CEO in January 2020, is made up of equity that vests over time and is based on company performance targets and other metrics. Calhoun was awarded about $7 million worth of stock if the company hits milestones such as returning the 737 MAX to service, entry into service of the long-delayed 777X, and other goals, but those shares haven’t vested yet. He also received $10 million in stock for leaving his job at Blackstone Group to take the top job at Boeing, and another $3.5 million in long-term incentives that haven’t vested yet.
As of December 2023, Dave Calhoun’s net worth is estimated at around $40 million, according to various sources. His main source of income is from his career as a businessman and executive. Dave Calhoun’s salary per month with other career earnings is over $8 million annually.
Earning Career
Dave Calhoun has had a long and successful career in various industries and companies. He started his career at General Electric (GE) in 1979, after graduating from college. He worked at GE for 26 years, overseeing transportation, aircraft engines, reinsurance, lighting and other GE units, before ultimately being appointed as vice chairman of the company and a member of GE’s Board of Directors in 2005.
Calhoun left GE to join privately held global information services firm VNU as CEO in 2006. Under his leadership, the company rebranded itself as Nielsen Holdings, returned to the public markets in 2011, and was added to the S&P 500 Index in 2013. In 2014, Calhoun became executive chairman of Nielsen, and also joined The Blackstone Group as a Senior Managing Director and Head of Private Equity Portfolio Operations. He became a member of Blackstone’s management committee, as well. Blackstone had been one of six private equity firms that backed Nielsen’s transformation.
During his career, Calhoun was on the board of directors of Caterpillar, Gates Corporation, and Medtronic. Since 2009, Calhoun has served as a director at Boeing, and was named lead independent director in 2018 On December 23, 2019, he stepped down as chairman in preparation for becoming Boeing’s CEO and president, effective January 13, 2020.
Education and Bio
Dave Calhoun was born on April 18, 1957, in Philadelphia and grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He attended Parkland High School in South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1975. In high school, Calhoun was one of three captains of the varsity basketball team and played golf.
He attended Virginia Tech, graduating in 1979 with a degree in accounting. He is also a certified public accountant.
Calhoun is married to Barbara Calhoun, and they have four children. He lives in Chicago, Illinois, where Boeing is headquartered.
Conclusion
Dave Calhoun is a seasoned and respected leader in the business world, with a wealth of experience and expertise in various sectors and companies. He has faced many challenges and opportunities as the CEO of Boeing, and has shown his commitment and vision to steer the company forward. He is also a generous and philanthropic person, who has donated to various causes and organizations, such as Virginia Tech, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
- Q: How old is Dave Calhoun?
- A: Dave Calhoun is 66 years old as of April 18, 2023.
- Q: How tall is Dave Calhoun?
- A: Dave Calhoun’s height is not publicly known, but he appears to be of average height.
- Q: How much does Dave Calhoun make a year?
- A: Dave Calhoun’s annual salary as the CEO of Boeing is $1.4 million, but he gave up most of it in 2020 due to the pandemic. He also receives stock awards and other incentives that depend on the company’s performance and goals.
- Q: How much is Dave Calhoun worth?
- A: Dave Calhoun’s net worth is estimated at around $40 million as of December 2023, according to various sources.
- Q: Where does Dave Calhoun live?
- A: Dave Calhoun lives in Chicago, Illinois, where Boeing is headquartered.
- Q: Where did Dave Calhoun go to college?
- A: Dave Calhoun went to Virginia Tech, where he graduated in 1979 with a degree in accounting.
- Q: What did Dave Calhoun do before Boeing?
- A: Dave Calhoun worked at General Electric for 26 years, rising to the position of vice chairman. He then became the CEO of Nielsen Holdings, and later the executive chairman of Nielsen and a senior managing director at Blackstone Group. He also served on the boards of Caterpillar, Gates Corporation, and Medtronic.
- Q: When did Dave Calhoun become the CEO of Boeing?
- A: Dave Calhoun became the CEO and president of Boeing on January 13, 2020, after his predecessor Dennis Muilenburg was fired over the 737 MAX crisis.
- Q: What are Dave Calhoun’s achievements as the CEO of Boeing?
- A: Dave Calhoun has led Boeing through a turbulent period, marked by the 737 MAX crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 777X delays. He has focused on restoring trust and safety, improving operational and financial performance, and transforming the company for the future. Some of his achievements include:
- Returning the 737 MAX to service in the U.S. and other countries, after addressing the technical and regulatory issues that caused two fatal crashes.
- Securing orders and deliveries for the 737 MAX from customers such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Ryanair, and SMBC Aviation Capital.
- Launching the Boeing 737 MAX 10, the largest and most fuel-efficient member of the 737 MAX family, and completing its first flight in June 2021.
- Completing the first flight of the Boeing 777X, the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, in January 2020, and continuing the flight testing and certification process.
- Delivering the first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to United Airlines, the launch customer of the largest and most advanced version of the 787 family, in November 2020.
- Supporting the successful missions of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner, a crew capsule that will transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station, in partnership with NASA.
- Winning contracts and awards for the defense, space and security business, such as the U.S. Air Force’s F-15EX fighter jet, the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueler, the U.S. Army’s MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, and the Royal Australian Air Force’s Loyal Wingman drone.
- Strengthening the company’s liquidity and balance sheet, by raising $25 billion in debt financing, cutting costs and jobs, suspending dividends and share buybacks, and reducing capital expenditures and inventory.
- Enhancing the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, by setting ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase diversity and inclusion, and invest in communities and education.
- Q: What are Dave Calhoun’s hobbies and interests?
- A: Dave Calhoun enjoys playing golf and basketball, and is a fan of the Chicago Bulls. He is also passionate about aviation and aerospace, and has a pilot’s license. He likes to read books and watch movies, especially historical