Jetstar domestic chief David Hall to leave in June

David Hall, the head of Jetstar’s Australian and New Zealand business, will leave the low-cost carrier in June.

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David Hall, the head of Jetstar’s Australian and New Zealand business, is leaving the low-cost carrier after five years overseeing its domestic and international operations across the Tasman.

Jetstar group chief Jayne Hrdlicka yesterday told staff that Mr Hall would leave in June after serving 10 years with the Qantas Group and 5½ years as Jetstar ANZ chief, where he was responsible for the company’s domestic and international A320 operations, Jetstar’s B787 international services and New Zealand domestic and regional operations.

Mr Hall handed in his resignation late last year, saying he wanted to pursue new opportunities. “I’ve been at Jetstar for more than eight years, and the broader group for another two, so it’s time to do something different,” Mr Hall said.

“I’m extremely proud of my time here and the fantastic Jetstar people that I get to work with every day and also the fact that Jetstar has given millions of Australians the opportunity to travel affordably and travel often.”

Ms Hrdlicka thanked Mr Hall for his “significant contribution” to Jetstar and for leaving the company in “great financial shape” and in a strong strategic position.

A global search for Mr Hall’s replacement, which began at the end of last year, has concluded with the appointment of former BP executive Dean Salter as its new Australian-NZ head.

Mr Salter is a veteran of BP, having spent 23 years with the petroleum giant in a range of international roles including its vice-president supply & logistics Australia, VP of Australian sales and a strategy director in South Africa.

He has also served on the boards of BP and the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores.

“Dean brings with him a wealth of experience in managing a complex and safe operation in a customer-focused business and we look forward to the addition of Dean’s leadership to the Jetstar team,” Ms Hrdlicka said.

“Dean started this week and will work alongside David until the middle of the year.”

Mr Hall will continue as Jetstar’s ANZ chief with Mr Salter acting as CEO designate until the end of June as part of a handover process.