Boeing Appoints New Leader for Starliner Program Amid Transition
Boeing has appointed John Mulholland, International Space Station program manager, to lead the Starliner spacecraft program, replacing Mark Nappi, who will retire next month after overseeing the program through significant challenges.

Photo Source: BusinessWorld Online
Boeing has announced a significant leadership change in its Starliner spacecraft program. John Mulholland, previously managing Boeing’s International Space Station (ISS) program, has taken over as the new head of the Starliner initiative, replacing Mark Nappi. Nappi, who has led the program since 2022, will transition to a new role focused on streamlining improvements across Boeing’s space programs before his retirement next month. During his tenure, Nappi oversaw Starliner’s challenging period of engineering issues, delays, and technical setbacks.
Mulholland’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Boeing as it continues to work on Starliner’s development for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Starliner has faced several obstacles, including failed test flights, but remains a key part of Boeing’s strategy for space exploration. Mulholland, with his extensive experience in managing space missions, is expected to bring fresh leadership and direction to the program as Boeing aims to achieve its goal of operationalizing Starliner for crewed missions to the International Space Station.
The leadership change highlights Boeing’s ongoing efforts to overcome past challenges and regain momentum in its space programs. With Mulholland’s expertise in space operations, the company is confident in overcoming the hurdles that have delayed Starliner’s progress. As Boeing works toward conducting crewed missions and finalizing the spacecraft’s design, Mulholland’s leadership is seen as crucial in ensuring Starliner’s long-term success in the competitive aerospace industry.