Airlines

Tang replaces Hogg as CEO of Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific accepted the resignations of Rupert Hogg as CEO and Paul Loo as chief customer and commercial officer and appointed Augustus Tang as CEO and Ronald Lam as chief customer and commercial officer. 

Hogg and Loo resigned on Friday in the wake of pressure from government over the airline’s handling of its employees that were involved in protests sweeping Hong Kong.

The board of directors said it is the “right time” for new leadership to take Cathay Pacific forward and Tang and Lam, both of whom are highly experienced executives with long careers at Cathay Pacific, are ideally suited to lead the company. 

Lam remains CEO of Hong Kong Express until a successor has been appointed.

Cathay Pacific chairman, John Slosar said: “Augustus Tang and Ronald Lam have the experience and depth of knowledge of aviation and our people to be strong and effective leaders of Cathay Pacific at this sensitive time.

“Hong Kong is a fantastic home for our airline.  It is a world class city and has a premium airport which is the biggest international passenger and cargo hub in Asia.  Cathay Pacific has a relentless focus on standards of safety and care, and an unrivalled reputation for customer service.” 

Hogg said: “It has been my honour to lead the Cathay Pacific Group over the last three years.  I am confident in the future of Hong Kong as the key aviation hub in Asia. However, these have been challenging weeks for the airline and it is right that Paul and I take responsibility as leaders of the company.”

Slosar added: “Rupert Hogg and his team executed the three-year Transformation Programme which has been important to Cathay Pacific’s recovery and provides a strong platform for continued development.

“However, recent events have called into question Cathay Pacific’s commitment to flight safety and security and put our reputation and brand under pressure.  This is regrettable as we have always made safety and security our highest priority. 

“We therefore think it is time to put a new management team in place who can reset confidence and lead the airline to new heights.  Cathay Pacific is fully committed to Hong Kong under the principle of ‘One Country Two Systems’ as enshrined in the Basic Law.  We are confident that Hong Kong will have a great future.”

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