A new boss is to take control of the Qantas Group in the autumn.
Chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson steps up to take over from Alan Joyce when he retires as chief executive in November after 15 years in the top job.
Hudson has worked in a number of executive positions across the Australian airline group over 28 years, including as chief customer officer and senior vice president across the Americas and New Zealand.
She will continue in her current role while also being chief executive-designate, before taking over as the company’s 13th CEO in 103 years following the 2023 Qantas annual general meeting.
Joyce said: “At the board’s request, I extended my time as CEO to see through the Covid recovery plan, so now that we’re on the other side of that crisis it’s a logical time for me to step down.
“There’s still a lot I want to deliver in the next six months and at the top of that list is ensuring a smooth handover to Vanessa, who I’m sure will excel in the role.”
Qantas chairman Richard Goyder said the appointment came after a “rigorous” selection process and allows for a smooth transition from Joyce.
He said: “A lot of thought has gone into this succession and the board had a number of high-quality candidates to consider, both internally and externally.
“Vanessa has a deep understanding of this business after almost three decades in a range of roles both onshore and offshore, across commercial, customer and finance. She has a huge amount of airline experience and she’s an outstanding leader.
“For the past five years Vanessa has had a direct hand in shaping our strategy as a member of the group management committee, and her handling of the finance and treasury portfolio during the Covid crisis was outstanding.
“She also led the fleet selection process in 2022 for the renewal of our domestic jet aircraft over the next decade.
“A key strength of Qantas is the sheer depth of talent it has, and Vanessa will be supported by a deep bench of executives across the organisation as well as by the board.”
Hudson added: “It’s an absolute honour to be asked to lead the national carrier.
“This is an exceptional company full of incredibly talented people and it’s very well positioned for the future.
“My focus will be delivering for those we rely on and who rely on us – our customers, our employees, our shareholders and the communities we serve.”