James Hogan to leave Etihad CEO position

(James Hogan) President and CEO of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, who has been the head of the fast growing Persian Gulf airline for more than a decade, will step down from the position in the second half of 2017, the company reported today.

The state airline of the United Arab Emirates said that the decision was a part of the “transition process” initiated in 2016 by the Board and Hogan himself, reports AFP.

Hogan, who was born in Australia, became the head of Etihad in 2006.

– I am very proud of what we have built together at Etihad and of the company’s substantial contribution to the UAE and to the development of Abu Dhabi – Hogan said, as reported in Etihad's press release.

James Hogan will join an investment company along with Etihad Aviation Group CFO James Rigney, who will also leave the company later this year. A global search for a new Group CEO and a new Group CFO is already underway.

Etihad expanded very quickly be purchasing minority stock in airlines throughout the world, increasing its share in the global air traffic market parallel to its greatest Persian Gulf rivals, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Etihad owns 49% of the ownership share in Air Serbia and Alitalia each, 29% in Air Berlin, 40% in Air Seychelles, 19.9% in Virgin Australia and 3% in Air Lingus. It also owns 24% of India's Jet Airways.

The airline was founded in 20003. It currently has a fleet of 120 planes, with an additional 178 ordered, and flies to 112 destinations.

Etihad Airways

OGRANAK ETIHAD AIRWAYS Beograd

Air Serbia ad Beograd

airberlin

Etihad Airways

Etihad Aviation Grupa

James Hogan

Emirates

Qatar Airways

Air Serbia

Alitalia

Air Berlin

Air Seychelles

Virgin Australia

Air Lingus

Jet Airways

James Rigney