Compass CEO and Family Suffer Tragic Loss in Sydney Seaplane Crash
By news correspondent – New Year’s Eve lost two worlds.
Who Went Down with the Plane?
- Richard Cousins, 58, CEO of Compass Group Plc (world’s biggest catering firm)
- Emma Bowden, 48, his fiancée
- Heather Bowden, 11, her daughter
- Edward Cousins, 23, Richard’s son
- William Cousins, 25, Richard’s other son
- Gareth Morgan, 44, the plane’s pilot
So, What Was Compass About?
Compass Group Plc has been serving plates worldwide for decades, moving kitchens from corporate offices to gig‑type cafés. Richard Cousins led the company for eleven years after leaving a senior role at Tesco. Under his guidance, Compass became a FTSE‑100 performing powerhouse, and Harvard Business Review named him one of the world’s best CEOs.
What Happened?
On New Year’s Eve, a seaplane – part of Sydney Seaplanes, a pleasant char agent since 2005 – hit the river north of Cowan. The aircraft went belly‑first into 13 metres of water. Police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have been working hard to locate the wreckage; they expect a preliminary report in 30 days, though a full investigation may take up to a year.
Business Moves After the Tragedy
Compass announced that the board will promote Dominic Blakemore to chief executive earlier than planned – he’ll take the helm on Jan. 1 instead of April 1. The company’s chairman, Paul Walsh, issued a heartfelt statement: “The thoughts of everyone at Compass are with Richard’s family and friends, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.”
Emotion & Hope
The news has been a painful blow to the food‑service community. Yet, as the corporate world counts the stars for the rest of the year, Compass must keep cooking the future. In the words of many, “Richard was known for his great humanity and a no‑nonsense style that transformed Compass into one of Britain’s leading companies.” Let’s hope the new leader keeps that legacy alive.
What This Means for Seaplanes
Due to safety concerns, all Sydney Seaplanes flights have been suspended until further notice. The company is hoping the investigation clears its flight deck and, hopefully, restores some peace of mind to all who once enjoyed a sunny summer trip in the sky.
