Comair ceo, Erik Venter, has resigned from the company to pursue his own interests, the Comair board has announced.

Erik, who has been with Comair for 23 years, 13 of them as ceo, will leave at the end of July.

During his time at Comair, Erik conceived and led the airline’s diversification strategy, which included an investment in an aviation training academy, the SLOW business lounge, Food Directions catering unit, the travel business, and its investment in technology solutions for tourism, travel and aviation.

Board chair, and also a former Comair ceo, Piet van Hoven, says Erik leaves Comair in a much stronger position than when he started.

“I believe I speak for everyone in Comair when I say that Erik has been a visionary, considered and hugely respected leader and a wonderful person to work with. He will be missed but leaves behind a strong and experienced executive management team, which is another credit to his foresight.”

The board has yet to decide on a new appointment.