John Slosar has resigned as Cathay Pacific Airways chairman ending his 39-year career with the Swire Group.

The flag carrier said in a statement Wednesday that Slosar is retiring and will be replaced by Patrick Healy, the current managing director of Swire Coca-Cola.

"Mr. John Slosar, Chairman of the company, will be retiring at the conclusion of the next board meeting on November 6, 2019," Cathay said.

Slosar's stint with Swire included appointments as CEO of Cathay Pacific from 2011 to 2014 and then as its chairman from 2014.

"Being the Chairman of Cathay Pacific has been the greatest of privileges for me. I would like to thank the entire Cathay team for their support, commitment and friendship during my years as part of that team. They are always at their best in challenging times, when their dedication really shines through,” Slosar said in a statement.

Slosar's resignation follows the August 16 exit of CEO Rupert Hogg and Paul Loo, the airline's chief customer and commercial officer, as the carrier saw itself caught in a series of controversies surrounding staff members who had been involved in recent anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

“Pat [Healy] is a strong and experienced executive, having successfully led a number of different Swire businesses. He is creative and customer-focused, and I am sure he will lead Cathay Pacific to new heights," Slosar added.

Aside from Healey's position at Coca-Cola, he is also a director at John Swire & Sons (H.K.) and a non-executive director of Swire Properties.

Following his appointment as the new Cathay Pacific chairman, Healey will also assume the role of Chairman of Swire Coca-Cola and retain responsibility for the group’s worldwide beverages business.

"Cathay Pacific has been Hong Kong’s home carrier for over seven decades. Despite current challenges, I am confident in the future of Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific will remain fully committed to this great city as Asia’s key aviation hub," he said.