BahrainLad
Jul 8, 06, 4:29 am
According to the Arabic press here and confirmed by numerous sources.
Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - GF's CEO, James Hogan, ResignsView Full Version : GF's CEO, James Hogan, Resigns BahrainLad Jul 8, 06, 4:29 am According to the Arabic press here and confirmed by numerous sources. BiziBB Jul 8, 06, 8:10 am According to the Arabic press here and confirmed by numerous sources. BahrainLad, can you help with any sources in English? As of this post I couldn't find anything current in Google News in English, and unsuccessfully tried the Arabic version. What is behind James Hogan's resignation? Some people here have outstanding e-mails 'to the President' :eek: CXYYZ Jul 8, 06, 10:58 am Wow, that kind of came out of nowhere. I'd be interested in hearing why as well. :confused: BiziBB Jul 8, 06, 5:01 pm Wow, that kind of came out of nowhere. I'd be interested in hearing why as well. :confused: Are there any back-stories that may have been a trigger, such as funding by the owner states, or possibly an offer to run another business (in the Gulf or Australia)? Still nothing in Google News, at least in English... Where are our Arabic-language sources and FTers who can advise us :D :confused: Hello? sadiqhassan Jul 8, 06, 5:10 pm Are there any back-stories that may have been a trigger, such as funding by the owner states, or possibly an offer to run another business (in the Gulf or Australia)? Still nothing in Google News, at least in English... Where are our Arabic-language sources and FTers who can advise us :D :confused: Hello? I currently don't have an Arabic keyboard, so unfortunately I can't be much of help :( I too am really surprised at this. I thought GF was up and coming nowadays. Cheers CXYYZ Jul 8, 06, 9:53 pm The Bahrain Tribune has a brief article with no real details on their site. http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp There's a thread elsewhere (http://www2.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/2867707/) discussing this too. Speculation there makes a link between the resignation and fleet renewal plans. GF-A330 Jul 9, 06, 5:10 pm The Bahrain Tribune has a brief article with no real details on their site. http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp There's a thread elsewhere (http://www2.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/2867707/) discussing this too. Speculation there makes a link between the resignation and fleet renewal plans. Press Release just posted on the GF site regarding this: GULF AIR ANNOUNCES PLANNED DEPARTURE OF JAMES HOGAN IN LATE 2006 Gulf Air announced today the planned departure of President and Chief Executive James Hogan in late 2006, following completion of the Project Falcon turnaround programme and the implementation of the airline’s new strategic plan, Smart Airline, Successful Business, which was endorsed by the Board earlier this year. The airline also announced it expects to appoint a new president and chief executive before Mr Hogan’s departure, allowing for a smooth leadership transition. Abdul Aziz Jassim Kanoo, chairman of the Board of Directors of Gulf Air, said: “Project Falcon re-established Gulf Air as one of the world’s leading airline brands. The new plan, Smart Airline, Successful Business, will take us to the next level of development, with investment in new aircraft, new maintenance facilities and new route and service initiatives. “Gulf Air continues to face the challenges of a competitive market environment and it will be another challenging year for the airline following losses in 2005. “But both shareholders, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, believe the right foundations have been set with the new plan and that is why they committed further funding of BD 100 million to the airline earlier this year. Each remains fully committed to Gulf Air into the future. “Our new strategy is based on continued investment in the business. We recently announced major investment in a new maintenance facility. In addition to this, we are on track with our fleet renewal plans, which we expect to finalise over the summer. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank James Hogan for the strong and decisive leadership he has shown over the last four years, helping Gulf Air to return to its rightful place as one of the world’s leading airline brands. His vision and commitment have been exemplary.” James Hogan joined Gulf Air in May 2002, when he introduced the Project Falcon turnaround programme. Over the following three years, this cut the airline’s losses and returned it to profit, in 2004. In addition, Project Falcon saw a re-branding of the airline and the launch of unique services including Gulf Traveller, Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies. The airline won many different awards over that period, including Most Improved Airline, Middle East Leading First Class Airline, MENA Platinum Best Airline and the prestigious Mercury Award for in-flight service. Mr Hogan said: “I am incredibly proud of the progress made by Gulf Air over the last four years. It has become one of the top airline brands in the world, with a service portfolio that is the envy of competitors in the region and across the globe. “Now, with Project Falcon completed and all the major elements of the new strategy in place or under way, my work has been completed and it is on this basis that I made my decision to move on to new challenges. “I would like to thank the leadership of each of the shareholding nations and the members of the Board for their support throughout the last four years.” “The future of Gulf Air is assured by the one key factor that has seen it develop so strongly over the last four years: its people. The staff and management, both in Bahrain and Oman, will take the business forward to even greater success in the future.” I've heard reports about an all 777 order consisting of 6x 777LRs and 3x777-200ERs. Let wait and see. Cedar Jet Jul 9, 06, 9:00 pm James Hogan has been making slight noises for approximatley one year. Word had it that James wanted the top job at BA but was unsuccessful. He was never planning to stay long at GF..just bring about the change which he has done superbly I think. Good Luck to him. GF owes this Aussie son lots I dare say. Lets hope new person is just as good. CJ :) BiziBB Jul 10, 06, 7:28 am Thank you GF-A330 for the official story; welcome to FlyerTalk - and a great contribution as your first post...:) CJ, does the B-777 order sound like the plausible trigger, or was this the main plan to replace the 767s? Or is it the refurb schedule? I also hope that the new chief can keep up the improvements, including the use of traiined and customer-focused staff at GF's hubs. Has everyone had their outstanding e-mails to James Hogan answered? SAtransplant Jul 10, 06, 3:33 pm Has everyone had their outstanding e-mails to James Hogan answered? Yes, in fact I just e-mailed a highly complimentary missive following my return on GF to JNB from LHR. My only outstanding issue is correcting the 70% mileage given to me on one particular flight. But I am finding GF staff to be highly responsive. Cedar Jet Jul 10, 06, 7:34 pm Thank you GF-A330 for the official story; welcome to FlyerTalk - and a great contribution as your first post...:) CJ, does the B-777 order sound like the plausible trigger, or was this the main plan to replace the 767s? Or is it the refurb schedule? I also hope that the new chief can keep up the improvements, including the use of traiined and customer-focused staff at GF's hubs. Has everyone had their outstanding e-mails to James Hogan answered? I don't think any of the issues u mentioned acted as a trigger. James has wanted to move on for a time now...such senior posts usually have a good 5 yearish life span. Also, I'm sure he has had several falling outs with GF on more major issues which never deterred him in the least. It was clearly a stepping stone for him after Ansett was pulled out from under his feet by an irresponsible Air New Zealand-just as Ansett started to win awards for best International Business Class, Best inflight service etc. I think he needed to keep up with winning momentum and as such GF was a great opportunity to do that. He's definately proved his capability. My guess is has his eyes on a major player airline like a CX, QF, BA type of airline. CJ :cool: CXYYZ Jul 11, 06, 2:24 am An interesting article, though I'm not sure what exactly it is getting at. Does it mean that GF is heading towards some sort of crisis? According to the Bahrain Arabic daily Al Ayam, Hogan's decision to leave came after he asked the board to make good on promises to help support the struggling airline or accept his resignation. Hogan joined the airline in May 2002, introducing the Project Falcon turnaround programme. http://news.monstersandcritics.com/business/article_1179406.php/Gulf_Air_chief_executive_resigns_fleet_renewal_exp ected_soon HeathrowGuy Jul 15, 06, 5:25 pm An interesting article, though I'm not sure what exactly it is getting at. Does it mean that GF is heading towards some sort of crisis? GF is definitely sprialing towards crisis - it cannot compete with the likes of EK/EY/QR on the one hand, and has had the rug steadily pulled from under it by the relevant countries on the other. As an aside, the QR financial folks should be shot. Cedar Jet Jul 17, 06, 1:28 am I have it on good advice that James Hogan will "hand pick" Gulf Air's new CEO which is encouraging. James does not want to see all his hard work fall to bits after he leaves. Also, there has been a delay in full implementation of GF's newly refurbed A340's due to a 'convienient strike' during the soccer world cup!! - much to GF's anger. Currently they are still scheduled on the Sydney route for every second day. Mid to late August should see them fly to SYD daily. I'm also told GF's J class A340 seats are fully flat at 180 degrees - not angled/tilted flat. Currently I think only BA, Virgin Atlantic have the same in J class? That's it from the grapevine. Enjoy CJ :) CXYYZ Jul 17, 06, 2:10 am I have it on good advice that James Hogan will "hand pick" Gulf Air's new CEO which is encouraging. James does not want to see all his hard work fall to bits after he leaves. Also, there has been a delay in full implementation of GF's newly refurbed A340's due to a 'convienient strike' during the soccer world cup!! - much to GF's anger. Currently they are still scheduled on the Sydney route for every second day. Mid to late August should see them fly to SYD daily. I'm also told GF's J class A340 seats are fully flat at 180 degrees - not angled/tilted flat. Currently I think only BA, Virgin Atlantic have the same in J class? That's it from the grapevine. Enjoy CJ :) These little tidbits are great. Thanks CJ ^ BiziBB Jul 17, 06, 7:04 am Thanks, CJ - any good news from the region is appreciated, and I hope your loved ones over there are safe and remain so. I look forward to your next SYD-BAH trip report from one of these fully flat, non-angled seats ^ sadiqhassan Jul 17, 06, 9:23 am I have it on good advice that James Hogan will "hand pick" Gulf Air's new CEO which is encouraging. James does not want to see all his hard work fall to bits after he leaves. Also, there has been a delay in full implementation of GF's newly refurbed A340's due to a 'convienient strike' during the soccer world cup!! - much to GF's anger. Currently they are still scheduled on the Sydney route for every second day. Mid to late August should see them fly to SYD daily. I'm also told GF's J class A340 seats are fully flat at 180 degrees - not angled/tilted flat. Currently I think only BA, Virgin Atlantic have the same in J class? That's it from the grapevine. Enjoy CJ :) Thanks for the update :) For the record: Air New Zealand, Etihad, Iberia, Jat Airways, Kenya Airways, Royal Jordanian (!) & TAM Brazilian also have non angled lie flat seats. This is according to http://www.flatseats.com/Reviews/A-Z-Business.htm Cheers Cedar Jet Jul 18, 06, 12:20 am Thanks, CJ - any good news from the region is appreciated, and I hope your loved ones over there are safe and remain so. I look forward to your next SYD-BAH trip report from one of these fully flat, non-angled seats ^ Thanks for your nice wishes. Relos are all fine. Somone wise once said things always have to get really big before they get small again then resolved..lets hope it holds true in Lebanon. As for my trip am hoping for late Aug dep. Not sure with current situ tho. Also I hope to be in F..but as I always wonder the plane aimlessly to avoid DVT Ill try have a go in a J seat and take it for a test drive. CJ :) Cedar Jet Jul 26, 06, 9:05 pm James my be trying to negotiate a new salary pacakage with GF in order to stay. The Sultan of Oman and Bahraini leader both want him to stay. Who knows? Truth or crystal ball? CJ :) BiziBB Jul 26, 06, 10:57 pm James my be trying to negotiate a new salary pacakage with GF in order to stay. The Sultan of Oman and Bahraini leader both want him to stay. Who knows? Truth or crystal ball? CJ :) Intriguing! Was this all a bluff? Does this kind of threat get used and rewarded by successful CEOs in the region? Thanks for the ongoing gossip ^ :) abcflyerxyz Jul 30, 06, 12:50 am I heard from my mates in Abu Dhabi that the rumour is that Hogan was headed to Ethihad... Cedar Jet Jul 30, 06, 8:51 pm I heard from my mates in Abu Dhabi that the rumour is that Hogan was headed to Ethihad... Other rumors suggest Emirates is where JH is headed..who knows :confused: CJ :) BiziBB Jul 30, 06, 10:57 pm I found this article, which presents a little background, and some fairly straight answers (and recites many rumours and scotches most of them!): http://www.itp.net/business/features/details.php?id=4744&category= Cedar Jet Aug 1, 06, 8:08 pm I found this article, which presents a little background, and some fairly straight answers (and recites many rumours and scotches most of them!): http://www.itp.net/business/features/details.php?id=4744&category= Nice read indeed. I have a 15 flight business trip to GCC end of Aug for about 4 weeks(all on GF of course). I'm hoping to get some 'goss' while I'm there. Thanks once again. CJ BiziBB Sep 27, 06, 11:29 pm Nice read indeed. I have a 15 flight business trip to GCC end of Aug for about 4 weeks(all on GF of course). I'm hoping to get some 'goss' while I'm there. Thanks once again. CJ Hi, James Hogan has finished with GF, effective September 30, according to tradearabia (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=606643) (no announcement yet on GF website). Until there is an announcement, who would like to speculate on the timig of this earlier-than-expected departure? Copuld it be because of an impending rescue mission at Etihad (even temporarily) or an appointment elsewhere? Cedar Jet Sep 29, 06, 12:31 am Hi, James Hogan has finished with GF, effective September 30, according to tradearabia (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=606643) (no announcement yet on GF website). Until there is an announcement, who would like to speculate on the timig of this earlier-than-expected departure? Copuld it be because of an impending rescue mission at Etihad (even temporarily) or an appointment elsewhere? Etihad is definetly not doing well. I have an Aussie mate with them currently. Lots of operational problems...service issues..schedules etc. It seems Etihad has become a victom of the Gulf supremecy wars between EK, QR and now Etihad. All want to be bigger, better before anyone else. EK is already showing signs of cracking with dropping service standards and ageing seats....I have it on good info that Cabin Crew on QR tiddle tat on each other ..one female crew member was hauled up after a flight for incorrectly placing salt and pepper shakers wrong way around.....even one case of suicide!!...if there proves to be any truth to it all QR will crack no doubt. Anyone else heard stories.....or have I just spend too much time in Gulf hearing idle gossip recently? :rolleyes: ...Really hope it's the latter. CJ :cool: abcflyerxyz Sep 29, 06, 9:50 am It was annouced here in Bahrain that James Hogan is the new CEO of Etihad he starts on 8 October. A mate of mine who is a senior HR consultant at Etihad has also confirmed Hogan's arrival on 8 October. ngfan Sep 29, 06, 2:41 pm Etihad is definetly not doing well. I have an Aussie mate with them currently. Lots of operational problems...service issues..schedules etc. It seems Etihad has become a victom of the Gulf supremecy wars between EK, QR and now Etihad. All want to be bigger, better before anyone else. EK is already showing signs of cracking with dropping service standards and ageing seats....I have it on good info that Cabin Crew on QR tiddle tat on each other ..one female crew member was hauled up after a flight for incorrectly placing salt and pepper shakers wrong way around.....even one case of suicide!!...if there proves to be any truth to it all QR will crack no doubt. Anyone else heard stories.....or have I just spend too much time in Gulf hearing idle gossip recently? :rolleyes: ...Really hope it's the latter. CJ :cool: pprune.org looks to be full of those stories, it is really amazing how nasty those crew members bark at each other there... :( BiziBB Sep 29, 06, 4:30 pm It was annouced here in Bahrain that James Hogan is the new CEO of Etihad he starts on 8 October. A mate of mine who is a senior HR consultant at Etihad has also confirmed Hogan's arrival on 8 October. abcflyerxyz, Thank you for bringing us this confirmation. Still no announcement on the GF website, and it all makes sense now... ^ I wonder if there is already a gossip thread for Etihad (http://www.ameinfo.com/97653.html) ? :rolleyes: Cheers ^ cbellero Oct 1, 06, 9:40 am I really frown a bit on this news. Didn't James say something about how he wants to transition somebody to make sure his work doesn't go wasted? As chairman of Etihad there is no way he will avoid direct competition with GF. The two seem incompatible to me. abcflyerxyz, Thank you for bringing us this confirmation. Still no announcement on the GF website, and it all makes sense now... ^ I wonder if there is already a gossip thread for Etihad (http://www.ameinfo.com/97653.html) ? :rolleyes: Cheers ^ |