Hogan moves to Etihad
Australian expatriate James Hogan has made the widely-expected move from chief executive officer of Bahrain-based Gulf Air to lead Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways.
Hogan is well known for his four years at Gulf Air, which he re-established as a regional player in a major restructuring. His job at Etihad will differ. Instead of rebranding an existing airline, his challenge will be to boost Etihad past its start-up phase into a major international player.
His Australian roots may help it gain a greater foothold in Australia, where Etihad competes with neighbouring Emirates for additional rights. The growth at both these Gulf carriers is closely linked to their ability to build networks of sixth freedom rights over their hubs.
Hogan began his aviation career with Australia's Ansett in 1975. He took a number of ex-Ansett staff with him to Gulf Air. James Rigney, one of his most trusted aides, is following Hogan to Etihad to become vice-president finance.
Source: Airline Business
