The HAECO Group has announced the appointment of Tom Owen as Group Director Corporate Development, effective January 2026, strengthening the company’s leadership team as it advances its long-term growth, digital transformation and sustainability agenda.
Owen brings more than three decades of aviation industry experience to the role, spanning commercial leadership, revenue management, logistics and regional management across Asia and international markets. Most recently, he served as Director Cargo at Cathay, where he oversaw the airline’s cargo business during a period of strong financial and operational performance, while also driving significant progress in digital capabilities.
In his new position, Owen will be responsible for shaping HAECO’s strategic direction, leading information technology and digital transformation initiatives, and advancing the Group’s sustainability commitments. His remit will also include strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including joint venture partners and government authorities, as HAECO continues to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other priority markets.
Richard Sell, Chief Executive Officer of HAECO Group, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Owen’s breadth of experience and global perspective. “We are delighted to welcome Tom to HAECO as a critical member of the Group leadership team,” he said. “His extensive industry background and international outlook will be invaluable as we continue to expand in strategic markets. With his proven leadership experience, Tom is well positioned to help drive sustainable growth across the HAECO Group.”
Owen joined the Swire Group in 1995 and has spent much of his career at Cathay, holding senior roles across marketing, sales and distribution, network revenue management and regional leadership. His international experience includes postings in Korea, Canada, the United States and South Asia. In 2015, he was appointed Director People, leading a comprehensive modernisation of the Cathay Group’s human resources function. He later assumed the role of Director Cargo in 2020, guiding the business through a period of transformation and record results.
Owen succeeds Summit Chan, who retired as Group Director Corporate Development in December 2025 after making a lasting impact on HAECO’s technological and environmental capabilities. During his tenure, Chan spearheaded initiatives such as drone-assisted aircraft inspections and the deployment of autonomous robots, as well as the development of Hong Kong’s largest single-site solar panel project. He also oversaw HAECO Xiamen’s achievement as the world’s first civil aircraft maintenance facility to attain LEED Platinum certification.
HAECO expressed its appreciation for Chan’s contributions and wished him continued success in his future endeavours, as the Group builds on his legacy and enters its next phase of strategic development under Owen’s leadership.
