Qantas announces new CEO Vanessa Hudson

Qantas has revealed who will be taking over from long serving CEO Alan Joyce after he retires in November.

Qantas has revealed Vanessa Hudson will be taking over from long serving CEO Alan Joyce following a “rigorous selection process”.

Ms Hudson, who is currently the group’s chief financial officer, will take over from Mr Joyce after he retires in November this year.

In a statement, Mr Joyce said “it’s a logical time for me to step down”.

“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,” Mr Joyce said.

“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.”

Ms Hudson has worked in a number of executive positions across the company over 28 years, including chief customer officer and senior vice president for Qantas across the Americas and New Zealand.

Vanessa Hudson will be Qantas’ new CEO. Picture: David Livingston/Getty Images

‘Absolutely honoured’

Ms Hudson — who has a Bachelor of Business and was admitted as a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1994 — said she is “absolutely honoured” 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,” she said.

“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.”

Sydney-based Ms Hudson will continue in her current role while also being Qantas CEO designate and joining the Board.

She will be the airline group’s first female CEO in its 103-year history following the airline’s 2023 Annual General Meeting.

‘Rigorous selection process’

Ms Hudson was among several internal and external candidates in contention for the job, with Qantas Loyalty boss Olivia Wirth also considered a strong contender.

Chairman Richard Goyder described it as a “a rigorous selection process”, adding “a lot of thought” had gone into the succession.

“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,” Mr Goyder said in a statement.

He also explained Ms Hudson helped shape the airline’s strategy over the past five years describing her handling of the finance and treasury portfolio during the Covid crisis as “outstanding”.

“She also led the fleet selection process in 2022 for the renewal of our domestic jet aircraft over the next decade,” Mr Goyder added.

She will replace Alan Joyce as Qantas CEO in November this year. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Mr Goyder also paid tribute to Mr Joyce who will have led the Qantas Group for 15-years by the time he retires in November.

“This transition is happening at a time when the Qantas Group is extremely well positioned,” he said.

“We have a clear strategy, a strong balance sheet and record profitability.”

He said much of the credit for the “bright future in front of Qantas” goes to Mr Joyce.

“He’s faced more than his fair share of challenges as CEO and he’s managed them exceptionally well – from the GFC, to record oil prices, to intense competitive pressures and the Covid crisis.”

Mr Goyder said the company was restructured to deal with a number of external shocks and Mr Joyce led it to a several record profits.

In February, the Qantas Group recorded an underlying profit before tax of $1.43 billion — it was followed a $456 million loss for the previous 12 months.

Mr Goyder added that the outgoing CEO has done a “superb job” of leading a team that is “absolutely committed” to the national carrier’s long-term success.

An announcement on a new chief financial officer will be made in the months ahead.