Alaska Air Board Jettisons Vecci

Raymond J. Vecci has resigned under pressure as chairman and chief executive officer of Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.

A statement released Thursday by the company said the board of directors asked Vecci to resign because of a “growing difference in management style.” It did not elaborate.

Vecci could not be reached for comment. Telephone calls seeking comment were not returned.

John F. Kelly was named chairman, president and chief executive officer of Alaska Air Group and Alaska Airlines and chairman of Horizon Air. Most recently, Kelly has served as executive vice president and will continue to serve as chief operating officer of Alaska Airlines.

Kelly previously was chairman, president and chief executive officer of Horizon Air.

Although the board forced Vecci out, it also praised his accomplishments, including returning the company to profitability.