Gavin Medera, chief executive officer of Caribbean Airlines, has resigned from the carrier’s top position amid apparent turmoil in the company’s C-suite.
The airline’s board confirmed Medera’s departure on 13 October, adding that chief operating officer Nirmala Ramai has stepped in as acting CEO to “ensure continuity and stability”.
Local media reports suggest Medera stepped down last week.
Ramai will lead the airline “until further notice”, according to the board, suggesting that her role will be transitory.
”Under the guidance of the board, she will work closely with the senior leadership team to support the airline through this transition,” it says.
Caribbean Airlines does not cite a reason for Medera’s resignation, though the state-owned airline based in Trinidad and Tobago has in recent months also parted ways with chief financial officer Varuna Kuarsingh and chief commercial officer Martin Aeberli – suggesting some level of financial distress.
Rumblings of low employee morale have also appeared in local reports, with the Trinidad and Tobago-based Aviation Communication and Allied Workers Union maintaining that communication from airline management has been lacking for years.
Medera thanked employees in a parting message, adding they had faced ”some very difficult challenges”.
The carrier says it will maintain normal operations during the transition, with no schedule disruptions.
Caribbean Airlines’ board says it is a critical time for the airline, which is focusing on several stability-focused initiatives including “supporting employees and stakeholders with open communication”, as well as boosting operational efficiency and developing a “financially responsible” growth plan.
The board adds it is auditing all the company’s departments and processes.
Carribean Airlines operates 10 Boeing 737s and 10 ATR turboprops, with a network stretching to North and South America.
