Robert Agnew, chairman of the board of directors for Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings passed away early last week.

Board member since July 2004 and chairman of the board since 2017, Agnew served on the nominating and governance committee, and previously was the chair of the audit committee.

The aviation leader was also president and chief executive officer of Morten Beyer & Agnew, an aviation consulting firm experienced in the financial modelling and technical due diligence of airlines and aircraft funding.

Describing the late chairman as a “wonderful director and even finer human being”, chief executive officer William Flynn says: “His extensive knowledge of the aviation industry and depth of corporate expertise made him a tremendous asset to the Board and to our Company. He was a great leader, a passionate advocate for Atlas, and a good friend to us all. On behalf of Atlas Air Worldwide, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Bob’s family.”

Flynn has been elected chairman of the board with immediate effect, a role he was due to take up on 1 January 2020.

Board member Retired General Duncan McNabb USAF has been named interim lead independent director.