Swire Pacific Announces Board Change

Editor -
  • Merlin Swire to succeed John Slosar as Chairman of Swire Pacific on 1st July 2018
  • John Slosar will remain Chairman of Cathay Pacific

Swire Pacific announces today the appointment of Mr. Merlin Swire as Chairman of Swire Pacific, with effect from 1st July 2018, succeeding Mr. John Slosar. Mr. Swire will also become Chairman of Swire Properties Limited and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) in place of Mr. Slosar. Mr. Slosar will remain as Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, but will otherwise retire from the Swire group.

Mr. Swire joined the Swire group in 1997, and has worked in Hong Kong, Sydney, Shanghai, Xiamen and London. He worked in Mainland China as Shanghai General Manager of The Coca-Cola Company and as Chief Executive Officer of HAECO Xiamen. He returned to London as Finance Director of John Swire & Sons (JS&S) in 2008, and became its CEO in 2015. Mr. Swire will relinquish his role as CEO of JS&S before he becomes Chairman of Swire Pacific. He has been on the Board of Swire Pacific for nearly ten years.

Of his appointment Mr. Swire said, "This move back to Hong Kong reflects how important Hong Kong is to the group's business and reaffirms the Swire family's long term commitment to Swire Pacific at a time of rapid change and exciting growth opportunities."

"After 20 years in the business I am delighted to be returning to Asia as Chairman of Swire Pacific during such a dynamic time in the development of China and the region."

Commenting on Mr. Swire's appointment, Mr. Slosar added, "Merlin's appointment continues Swire's longstanding practice of appointing leaders from within the group. He is highly experienced, having worked at operational and board levels in a wide range of our businesses - he is more than ready to take on his new role. As Chairman, he will deepen our key relationships in the region and will lead the group in its next chapter of growth. Our future is in good hands."

Mr. Slosar has been with the Swire group for approaching 38 years. Before becoming Chairman of Swire Pacific in 2014, he was Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific. His other senior roles included being Managing Director of HAECO and Managing Director of Swire Beverages. He will remain as Chairman and a Director of Cathay Pacific to help see the airline through its three-year transformation programme.

"Being the Chairman of Swire Pacific has been a singular honour for me. How lucky to have been based in Hong Kong leading a world class organisation with great people, a great working culture and great prospects. I wish to thank all my colleagues and friends in the group for their unwavering support and I look forward to continuing my work with the Cathay Pacific team." said Mr. Slosar.

Mr. Swire concluded, "I personally would like to add my thanks to John for his leadership and his immense contribution to the development of Swire Pacific over his career. John leaves Swire Pacific in very good shape, and I look forward to building on our position for the future."

Biography of Mr. Merlin Swire can be found in the attachment.