Boeing Sales Chief to Retire in December
Longtime executive Brad McMullen will step down as head of global sales as Boeing prepares for a leadership transition.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Air Travel
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Boeing senior vice president of global sales and marketing Brad McMullen is set to retire in December 2026. Ryan Weir, who currently manages sales in the North American market, will step into the role to oversee the company's commercial jetliner sales operations.
Why it matters
The transition occurs as the manufacturer navigates the strategic deployment of the 737 Max 10 following its recent FAA certification. Managing this pivot is critical as the firm aims to capture a larger share of the long-range narrowbody market.
Airlines have placed orders for nearly 1,500 737 Max 10 units, which now represents 30 percent of the total 737 backlog. This model is intended to close the strategic gap in the long-range narrowbody market.
The players
Brad McMullen
He currently serves as the senior vice president of global sales and marketing at Boeing.
Ryan Weir
He is the current head of North American market sales for Boeing and is the incoming commercial sales chief.
Boeing
This is a major aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Seattle that produces commercial and defense aircraft.
Federal Aviation Administration
This is the national aviation authority of the United States responsible for the regulation and safety of civil aviation.
Airbus
This is a global aerospace corporation and the primary commercial competitor to Boeing.
The details
Ryan Weir brings extensive experience to the position, having previously led sales operations in India and South Asia and managed accounts for global leasing companies. The leadership change comes after Boeing won its competitive order race against Airbus in 2025 and saw the Federal Aviation Administration certify the 737 Max 10 in October 2026.
Timeline
Boeing secured more orders than Airbus throughout 2025.
The FAA granted certification to the 737 Max 10 in October 2026.
Brad McMullen will conclude his tenure at Boeing in December 2026.
Travel Outlook
The leadership transition follows the successful completion of the Federal Aviation Administration's 737 Max certification protocols for the Max 10 variant. This shift positions the company to begin a new chapter of market strategy following the October 2026 regulatory clearance.
The transition suggests a shift in how the manufacturer will prioritize aircraft deliveries and customer support strategies in the coming years. Travelers may see these strategic changes reflected in the fleet updates and route capacities offered by domestic airlines.
The takeaway
The move signals a period of strategic continuity as the incoming sales chief assumes responsibility for a significant backlog of orders. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming delivery milestones as the company scales production of its newly certified narrowbody fleet.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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