Tony Tyler quits Cathay to take over IATA, Slosar next CEO

HONG KONG`s Cathay Pacific Airways has announced its CEO Tony Tyler will leave the airline on March 31 to succeed the director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Giovanni Bisignani, who retires next year.

Mr Tyler will be succeeded by the airline`s Chief Operating Officer John Slosar.


Said Mr Tyler: "John Slosar and I have worked hand in glove over the last three dramatic years - from the highs of 2007, to the lows of 2008 and 2009 to the remarkable comeback in 2010. I have every confidence that he will lead the airline to even bigger and better things, with the support of a team that is quite simply the best in the business."


Said Cathay chairman Christopher Pratt: "Our congratulations to Tony on being recommended by the IATA board. IATA is fortunate to be gaining a man of his experience and calibre. Tony has worked for Cathay Pacific for 32 years, has been a director for 14 years and chief executive for the last three. He is a well known and respected figure in global aviation and a passionate advocate for the industry."


Said Mr Tyler: "It will be a wrench to go, but I know I will be leaving the company in extremely good hands. "


On taking over from Mr Bisignani, he said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen for this position by my peers in the international aviation industry. It is an important and responsible job, representing the interests of 230 airlines from 118 countries around the globe. IATA`s mission is to lead, represent and serve those airlines, and that is what I am firmly committed to do when I take up my new role."