ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Regional Airline LIAT on Tuesday denied having appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO), one day after it announce the June 30 resignation of its acting chief executive, Brian Challenger.
Chair of the LIAT Board of Directors, Dr. Jean Holder, dismissed the media reports, saying, “Absolutely no one has been interviewed, appointed or promised the job of CEO at LIAT.”
He furtehr siad that LIAT plans to begin “immediately, to conduct the search for an appropriate candidate to serve as LIAT’s CEO at this critical juncture in the airline’s development.
“Mr. Challenger remains on the jobs for the next two months following which Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Julie Reifer-Jones will act as CEO until such time as arrangements for the appointment of a new CEO have been finalized,” he added.
In his letter of resignation, Challenger expressed his appreciation to the board, as well as to the company’s lead shareholders and staff, for the opportunity to serve the region during the past three years, LIAT said in a statement.
LIAT’s Chairman, Jean Holder, speaking on behalf of the shareholders, Board of Directors and staff, said Challenger has made an important contribution to LIAT during a difficult period in which he exhibited loyalty, dedication and hard work.
Until he leaves, Challenger will work with the executive management team to facilitate a smooth transition to a new CEO.