Two top officials at Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific have resigned their posts in a move that some are saying could spark a reshuffle of key talent. The South China Morning Post and Bloomberg News reported Thursday that Simon Large, one of the airline’s directors who oversaw all customer-related activities, has resigned and will return to Britain, while Philippe Lacamp has stepped down as chief risk officer after little more than eight months in the role.
The airline confirmed the Post’s story and in a memo to staff CEO Augustus Tang Kin-wing thanked the pair for their years of service. “Both Simon and Philippe have contributed greatly to the success of Cathay Pacific,” Tang said. “We are truly indebted to both of them and they will be missed by all with whom they have worked over their careers. I wish them every success and happiness with their future endeavours.” Tang said successors for Large and Lacamp would be announced at a later date, according to the Post.
The departures come ahead of Cathay’s traditional rotation of top executives, which usually takes place every three to four years, that will also decide who replaces Tang. The sole person being considered was chief customer and commercial officer Ronald Lam Siu-por, who already has an influential say in running the company, an insider familiar with the plans said. All that remained to be decided was when he would take over, the Post reported. Tang’s other deputy, chief operations and service delivery officer Greg Hughes, was awarded a one-year contract extension until June 2022, at which point he is expected to retire, the Post said.