Qantas hails the start of the Vanessa Hudson era as Alan Joyce exits early

New Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has told workers regaining customers’ trust must be their first priority, as she takes over the reins from Alan Joyce.

After four months in the wings, Vanessa Hudson will finally take the reins from Alan Joyce as Qantas CEO. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Vanessa Hudson has told employees rebuilding the trust of customers will be her first priority as Qantas CEO, after being elevated to the job two months earlier than expected.

The chief financial officer will take the reins from Alan Joyce on Wednesday, after he announced his decision to exit amid rising heat over various issues including $570m worth of travel credits, high airfares and allegations of excessive flight cancellations.

In a video message to the airline’s 25,000 workers, Ms Hudson said it was “an honour” to be stepping into the role of Qantas Group CEO, and she couldn’t wait to start working with everyone.

But she signalled that the “challenging times” currently facing Qantas would take some working through, as the airline sought to repair its battered reputation.

“We know that post-Covid we haven’t always delivered to our customers expectations but we are listening and we hear what they are saying,” said Ms Hudson.

“As a company it’s our job to get the balance right between looking after our customers, you our people and the business itself. Right now, achieving this balance must first start with the customers and that’s what we will be focused on with our new management team.”

She added she was confident she could count on the help of employees, to show customers “why we deserve to be their trusted first choice”.

Ms Hudson concluded with a tribute to Mr Joyce, who was still expected to collect millions of dollars in bonuses, boosting his final package to over $20m.

“We’d like to thank Alan who’s made a huge contribution over 22 years at Qantas,” Ms Hudson said.

“He’s devoted so much energy and commitment to the organisation from starting up Jetstar to steering us through the pandemic. Alan we all thank you and wish you the very best for the future.”

Former Qantas employees described Ms Hudson as a “very different leader” to Mr Joyce, with a calm and reserved demeanour, in contrast to his more forceful and direct style.

When she was announced as the next CEO in May, Ms Hudson she would continue to consult widely on decisions, and collaborate with groups such as union.

“I want to be very approachable,” Ms Hudson said.

“I want to be very visible in the organisation and I want to be a leader who empowers not just those in my leadership team but the whole organisation to be the best they can be in the jobs they do.”

Joining her on the powerful group management committee, will be Rob Marcolina as chief financial officer, Cam Wallace as Qantas International CEO and Markus Svensson as Qantas Domestic CEO.

Altogether the four represent a new face for the airline, which will celebrate 103-years of operation in December.

Unions on Tuesday hailed the change of CEO as a chance to reset Qantas, and expressed hopes of a more collaborative relationship with Ms Hudson than with her predecessor.

Australian and International Pilots Association president Tony Lucas said there was little to be gained from trawling over the past, with members hopeful of a brighter future.

“Airliners don’t have rear vision mirrors but they do have pretty big front windows,” said Captain Lucas.

“We’ll be seeking to work constructively with Ms Hudson.”

The Flight Attendants Association of Australia, Transport Workers Union, Australian Services Union and ACTU also expressed their optimism for employees and customers of Qantas.

“It’s time for Qantas to hit the reset button,” said ASU assistant national secretary Emaline Gaske.

But the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association presented a different view.

ALAEA federal secretary Steve Purvinas said Vanessa Hudson “worried him”.

“She’s a bean counter who was chief financial officer through the period which is now subject to the scrutiny of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission,” said Mr Purvinas.

“What Qantas needs now is a friendly face, and someone who can put the heart and soul back into the airline.”