Confirmed now:
Who is John Slosar?
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Message to staff from Tony Tyler
Dear colleagues,
Today the Swire group announced some significant management changes that will see our Chief Executive, Philip Chen, become Deputy Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways and Chairman of John Swire & Sons (China) Ltd. The other changes within the Cathay Pacific Group are my own appointment as Chief Executive and the appointment of John Slosar as Chief Operating Officer.
It is a tremendous privilege and great honour for me to move to the Chief Executive position. I have worked for Cathay Pacific since 1978 and have seen the airline grow from a relatively small regional carrier into a strong, successful company with a worldwide reputation. I am proud to have been part of that growth and, in my new position, will continue to work together with the team to drive the Group forward.
And it gives me great pleasure to welcome John Slosar back into the Cathay Pacific fold. Many of you will remember John from his previous time at CX, where he displayed first-class managerial skills and made a significant contribution to the airline's development.
When Philip moves over to his new position he will pass on the airline in very good shape. Philip has an enviable record of success and the Cathay Pacific Group has benefited greatly from his knowledge and business acumen. He has overseen some significant recent developments at the airline including the landmark deal that brought Dragonair into the family. Of course, Philip will still be around as Deputy Chairman and I am delighted I can continue to rely on his advice and support.
The management changes won't take place for a couple of months or so but, when they do, I can assure you that the company's strategy and focus will remain unchanged. These are exciting times for the Cathay Pacific Group and we have a great team in place. I look forward to working with you all.
Best regards,
Tony Tyler, Chief Operating Officer
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A message to staff from Philip Chen
Dear colleagues,
Our Chairman, Christopher Pratt, today announced my appointment as Deputy Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways and Chairman of John Swire & Sons (China) Ltd. I am delighted and honoured that the Swire Group has given me this recognition. At the same time I am pleased that I can continue to work with the CX team - albeit in a different capacity and not on a daily basis as before.
The management changes will take place in a couple of months or so. I will of course be sad to leave behind my day-to-day involvement in the running of this great airline, and I will also miss the pleasure of being able to work with the strong, committed team that has achieved so much in recent years. Earlier this week we announced our annual results which revealed the company to be in its strongest position ever.
We have built a solid foundation for our future growth and I look forward to seeing the airline make the most of the opportunities that will come our way through the integration with Dragonair and enhanced partnership with Air China.
The CX/KA/CA deal was vital to the future success of the Cathay Pacific Group and I am proud to have played a part in turning this into a reality. But this is just one of a number of significant achievements for the airline. We have played a big part in building Hong Kong's role as an international aviation hub. Our reputation for service excellence has brought us worldwide renown - and a number of top awards. And we are now moving into the future by expanding our fleet and introducing a new inflight product that will keep us at the top of the game.
My new position will bring new challenges and help to further broaden my horizons. As always, I relish new challenges. As I move on I am pleased to say that - with the appointment of Tony Tyler as Chief Executive and John Slosar as Chief Operating Officer - the airline will be in very good hands. I look forward to supporting them and their excellent team as the Cathay Pacific Group moves forward into a new era of expansion and growth.
Thank you all for your support.
Philip Chen, Chief Executive