Boeing's CEO is resigning as the crisis enveloping the manufacturer related to its marquee aircraft, the MAX 737 aircraft, drags on.

The board of directors said Monday that Dennis Muilenburg is stepping down immediately.

The board's current chairman David Calhoun will become president and CEO on January 13.

The board said a change in leadership was necessary to restore confidence in the company as it works to repair relationships with regulators and stakeholders.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased that Dave has agreed to lead Boeing at this critical juncture," Board member Lawrence W. Kellner said. He added, "Dave has deep industry experience and a proven track record of strong leadership, and he recognizes the challenges we must confront. The Board and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the Boeing team to ensure that today marks a new way forward for our company."

Calhoun said, "I strongly believe in the future of Boeing and the 737 MAX. I am honored to lead this great company and the 150,000 dedicated employees who are working hard to create the future of aviation."

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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