Dhaka: Kevin John Steele, former and the first foreign Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, passed away at the age of 73 due to cardiac arrest in Antigua on July 2.

Kevin Steele was appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines in March 2013 and later resigned over health issues in April 2014.

Kevin passed away while watching a T20 cricket match, said his close friends and family in social media posts while expressing their grief over his demise.

Born on August 3, 1951, in London, United Kingdom, Kevin enjoyed a distinguished career in the aviation industry at home and abroad. Apart from Biman, he played leadership roles in several other aviation giants such as British Airways, Etihad Airways, Sama Airlines and Arik Air.

During his tenure at Biman, the flag carrier achieved significant successful milestones, including the transformation of London-Mumbai and London-Delhi-Dhaka routes into major profitable ones.

Kevin Steele was also fluent in several languages including Mandarin.