[xoxoxoBruce]

To all Boeing employees:
Over the weekend, the Board of Directors asked for and received Harry Stonecipher’s resignation as President and Chief Executive Officer. We have appointed James Bell as interim President and CEO.

Events that led to this action began 10 days ago, when General Counsel Doug Bain, Vice President of Ethics Martha Ries and I received anonymous information regarding a personal relationship between Harry and a female executive of the company. The board took this matter seriously and immediately instructed the General Counsel’s office to bring in outside counsel and lead a thorough inquiry into the facts. All parties cooperated fully and candidly with the inquiry, which determined that there is, in fact, such a relationship—and that it is consensual and had no effect on the conduct of the business. Harry did not interfere in any way with the career path or compensation of the other executive, and she does not report directly to him.

However, the board holds the CEO to the highest of professional and personal standards. We concluded that the facts reflected poorly on Harry’s judgment and would impair his ability to lead the company forward. Finally, Harry’s actions were inconsistent with the Boeing Code of Conduct—specifically, the portion that states “Employees will not engage in conduct or activity that may raise questions as to the company’s honesty, impartiality, reputation or otherwise cause embarrassment to the company.”

The Board therefore decided that it had no choice but to request Harry’s resignation, especially since we—and much of the rest of the world—have considered him as an icon of Boeing’s integrity. Harry came out of retirement to lead this company through a difficult time, and he has been a giant in this industry for many years. His resignation was in no way related to the company’s operational performance or financial condition.

Speaking for the board, we want to reiterate that we are committed to strong ethical leadership. Whenever we see improper activity, we will act quickly and thoroughly to determine the facts and take decisive action regardless of the individual’s position in the company. Our customers, shareholders, suppliers, communities—and, especially, each of you—deserve nothing less.

James Bell, who will also retain his current responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer, will provide the company with consistent leadership as the board accelerates its search for a permanent President and CEO. The succession plan includes both internal and external candidates. James has told me he looks forward to returning to the CFO position when the board has named the permanent President and CEO. We are confident he is the right person to lead the company during this interim period.

Boeing’s financial position is very strong; our current performance is excellent; and our growth prospects are bright. That cannot be attributed to any single person. It has taken extraordinary commitment by every Boeing employee to move us from where we have been to where we are now. For that I thank you. And I ask for your support in helping James and me lead Boeing forward.