Cathay CEO quits after carrier is caught up in Hong Kong protests

Protests in Hong Kong appear to have forced the resignation of Cathay Pacific’s chief executive, Rupert Hogg. Bloomberg reports that Mr Hogg’s resignation came a week after the carrier was rebuked the Chinese government after staff participated in anti-Beijing protests. Mr Hogg’s decision to leave follows a difficult week for Cathay, which found itself at the centre of Hong Kong’s political unrest. Protesters forced the closure of HKIA, grounding the airline’s fleet. And staff participation in the demonstrations led to China’s aviation regulators imposing curbs on Cathay’s operational abilities. The carrier also reported that chief customer and commercial officer Paul Loo was leaving, to be replaced by the head of the Hong Kong Express budget business, Ronald Lam (pictured).