Reaction from Boeing employees and others

"I don't think he did all that great. He was a good politician. At that level, maybe that's all that matters. ... When he said, 'China rocks,' I thought he was the biggest dork in the world. China doesn't rock; they're a competitor. It was a silly, silly statement."

Jeff Baldwin, 20-year veteran

"Some people thought he was very, very pushy, but he was also charismatic. But what I appreciated was that he was always driven to put out a good product, and going after new products" such as the 777 and 787.

Andrew Sones

"I am very grateful to Alan for all of his work in Washington. He is a friend, both personally and professionally, and I congratulate him on this exciting new position. If there is anyone who can return an industry icon, such as Ford, to eminence, it is Alan Mulally."

Gov. Christine Gregoire

"Alan loved that job [at Boeing]. I'm surprised he would leave; and the challenges at Ford are breathtaking. Alan ... is well-liked in Washington state. For the sake of the country, let's hope he can do the same thing for Ford that he did for Boeing."

Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Bremerton

"It was a surprise to everybody. I think he wanted to lead a Fortune 100 company for a long time, and here's his chance."

Sam Maxwell

"Mulally's biggest legacy is going to be a shining star which is called the 787. He has taken the helm back from Airbus. ... If Mr. Mulally can do for Ford what he did for Boeing, hopefully we'll see some really cool-designed cars coming out of the Ford plant."

Henry Harteveldt

About Scott Carson

"The company groomed good people. Scott Carson has shown he's a good, capable guy."

Jeff Winger

Seattle Times reporters Alicia Mundy, Lisa Chiu, Diane Brooks, Melissa Allison and Kristi Heim contributed to this report.