Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email
The chairman of embattled airline Cathay Pacific , who last month said he “wouldn’t dream” of telling Hong Kong-based employees what to think, has resigned.
John Slosar will retire on 6 November in the latest high-level shake-up at the Asian airline.
Patrick Healy, currently a director in Cathay’s controlling shareholder Swire Group, will replace Mr Slosar as chairman.
“Being the chairman of Cathay Pacific has been the greatest of privileges for me,” said Mr Slosar.
“I would like to thank the entire Cathay team for their support, commitment and friendship during my years as part of that team.
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In picturesShow all 35 1 /35Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Police officers point their guns towards pro-democracy protesters after a clash at a march in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Pro-democracy protesters throw molotov cocktails during clashes with riot police in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Demonstrators rally behind barricades ass they are shrouded in tear gas deployed by police in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Police clash withpro-democracy protesters at a march in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures A police officer prepares to strike a protester as clashes erupt during a pro-democracy march in Hong Kong on August 24
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures A water cannon is fired by riot police to clear the street of demonstrators during a protest in Hong Kong on August 25
EPA
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Pro-democracy protesters use a slingshot during clashes with riot police in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police fire tear gas to disperse pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong on August 24
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures A demonstrator throws a molotov cocktail as they clash with riot police during a protest in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures A demonstrator swings a tennis racket in an attempt to knock back a tear gas cannister thrown by riot police during a protest in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures A protester displays a Hong Kong Independence flag during a pro-democracy march in Hong Kong on August 24
EPA
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police tend to a detained demonstrator who has been injured during a protest in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures A demonstrator uses bamboo poles to build a barricade during a protest in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police clash with demonstrators during a protest in Hong Kong on August 24
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters are hit by tear gas fired by the police in Hong Kong on August 24
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Demonstrators shrouded in tear gas shield themselves behind barricades during a clash with riot police in Hong Kong on August 25
Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police arrest a protester during a pro-democracy march in Hong Kong on August 24
EPA
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Police clash with pro-democracy protesters at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters fall back as they clash with police during a protest at Kowloon Bay in Hong Kong on August 24
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Police clash with pro-democracy protesters at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police move to disperse protesters during a clash at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Commuters riding in a bus drive past protesters in Hong Kong's Kowloon Bay on August 24
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Protester hold umbrellas as they take part in a pro-democracy march in Hong Kong on August 24
EPA
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police detain a demonstrator as they clash during a protest in Hong Kong on August 24
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Pro-democracy protesters block the entrance to the airport terminals after clashes with police at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police spray pepper spray as shield themselves by a police van during a clash with pro-democracy protesters at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Riot police use pepper spray to disperse protesters during a demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Demonstrators shrouded in tear gas shield themselves behind barricades during a clash with riot police in Hong Kong on August 25
Reuters
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Medical professionals gather to protest police brutality at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong on August 13
Getty Images
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Police detain a pro-democracy protester at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures A protester is halted by police during an occupation at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
AP
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Police clash with pro-democracy protesters at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Police stand guard at the entrance of the departure terminals at the Hong Kong international airport on August 13
AFP/Getty
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Protesters continue their occupation at the Hong Kong international airport on August 14
AP
Continuing protests rock Hong Kong: In pictures Travellers read placards and posters left by pro-democracy protesters at the Hong Kong international airport on August 14
AP
“They are always at their best in challenging times, when their dedication really shines through.”
Making reference to the city’s “current challenges”, incoming chairman Mr Healy said he was “confident in the future of Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific will remain fully committed to this great city as Asia’s key aviation hub”.
Cathay Pacific has found itself at the centre of controversy with the ongoing Hong Kong protests, which have rocked the Asian metropolis.
Last week, the airline warned that any staff who took part in the protests face dismissal . A handful of staff have already been fired for participating.
Last month the chief executive, Rupert Hogg, who had held the top job since 2017, was replaced with immediate effect . The chief customer and commercial officer, Paul Loo, also stepped down.
After three months of often violent protests in the region, this morning Carrie Lam, the Hong Kong leader, announced the withdrawal of the controversial bill that allowed extradition to mainland China.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies