The decision was made after repeated criticisms made by the Chinese Government regarding the involvement of Cathay Pacific employees in the ongoing Hong Kong Riots.
Mr Hogg stated that due to recent events, the company has come under intense scrutiny and criticism, especially from the undeniably crucial market of Mainland China. In addition, he has stated that the company under him could have managed the issue better.
Mr. Hogg resigned along with his deputy Paul Loo, who was the Chief Customer and Commercial Officer of the airline.
Other than Mr. Hogg and Mr. Loo, Cathay Pacific has fired four other staff, including two pilots and two airport employees. In replacement of the two high-ranking officials, the company has appointed Augustus Tang Kin-Wing to replace the former CEO and Mr. Ronald Lam Siu-Por to replace the former Chief Customer and Commercial Officer.
Mr. Tang has served as the CEO of Haeco, a subsidiary company under Cathay’s parent company Swire Pacific while Mr. Lam has served as the CEO of HK Express. The changes were made in an attempt retain confidence in the carrier, as Chairman John Slosar has stated.
Cathay Pacific was facing strong backlash from the Chinese Government after many of its crew members and workers were involved in the Hong Kong protests. The carrier has been accused of supporting the ongoing protests happening in Hong Kong, to which it has publicly denied.
In return, the Government demanded the carrier to remove all of the crew members involved in the protest from all air transportation-related activities to Mainland China. In addition, they are also required to write a statement which will be submitted into Chinese authorities before being granted permission to work for flights to Mainland China.
The Chinese Government have also questioned the carrier’s safety, requesting it to reassess its internal structure and its capability in providing flight safety and security.
