Cathay Pacific announced on Wednesday its chairman John Slosar is stepping down to retire, the latest high-profile executive to leave the flagship carrier after it drew Beijing’s ire over pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

John Slosar. Photo: World Travel & Tourism Council/Flickr.

In a statement posted on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Cathay said Slosar, 63, had stepped down and will be replaced as chairman by Patrick Healy, a veteran from the Swire Group conglomerate, the airline’s majority shareholder.

Cathay Pacific. File photo: Max Pixel.

“His resignation is due to his retirement,” the statement said, adding that the changes would take effect from 6 November at the conclusion of the company’s board meeting.

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