Omer ErSelcuk, who served for 13 years in various capacities at Seaborne Airlines, resigned for his post as chief executive officer on Wednesday, ErSelcuk confirmed Friday. President Gary Foss is adding the job of CEO to his title, Foss said.
“I had a choice in the matter. I felt it was the best option for Seaborne to go forward,” ErSelcuk said.
According to ErSelcuk, the change came about because new Seaborne investors wanted to appoint their own chief executive officer. He called it “healthy funding package.”
ErSelcuk said he will remain a shareholder in Seaborne. “I’m interested in seeing Seaborne succeed,” he said.
He said during his 13 years at the company, Seaborne grew by 1,000 percent and now has 200 employees.
“The real stars of Seaborne are the employees. They’re loyal and hardworking,” ErSelcuk said.
He said Foss will guide the airline away from its entrepreneurial roots.
Foss said ErSelcuk resigned for personal reasons.
He said other than ErSelcuk’s departure, nothing else at Seaborne has changed. He said Seaborne plans to go forward with its expansion plans. The St. Croix-based airline recently announced a code share arrangement with American Airlines and began flying to Martinique, Guadeloupe and Melville Hall Airport in Dominica.
“We plan additional expansion in the next year,” Foss said.
As for ErSelcuk’s plans, he said he expects to continue his partnership in the St. Croix-based Miss Anna’s Hot Sauce.
He said he’s going to take some time off to decide his next step. He said he will keep his home on St. Croix but will also maintain a stateside base.
“I’ll be back and forth,” he said.
