Virgin Australia positions John Thomas as heir to Borghetti

Virgin Australia has appointed consultant John Thomas to a position that puts him in line for John Borghetti’s job.

Virgin chief John Borghetti will focus on the airline’s Chinese partners. Picture: Hollie Adams

Virgin Australia has shaken up its executive ranks, appointing global aviation consultant John Thomas to head its domestic and international operations in a move placing him as heir apparent to chief John Borghetti.

The restructure has been viewed as a demotion for three of the airline’s senior executives — chief operating officer Gary Hammes, chief commercial officer Judith Crompton, and chief customer officer Mark Hassell — who will report directly to Mr Thomas instead of Mr Borghetti.

While Mr Borghetti has no intention of leaving the airline anytime soon, the appointment of the well-regarded Mr Thomas will place him as the prime internal candidate to one day take the reins of Virgin.

Mr Thomas now heads up the Asia Pacific business and global aviation practice at management consulting firm LEK. Over the past 25 years, he has advised many of the world’s leading airlines on their commercial, operational and financial strategies.

In his new role as group executive, Virgin Australia Airlines, Mr Thomas will oversee the airline’s domestic and international business where he will lead flight and ground operations, cabin crew, engineering, network, sales, marketing and other functions.

Merren McArthur will continue to lead Virgin Australia Regional Airlines and Virgin Australia Cargo, while Rob Sharp will continue to lead Tigerair Australia and Karl Schuster will continue to lead Velocity Frequent Flyer.

The restructure will allow Mr Borghetti to focus on the airline’s partnership with its new Chinese shareholders, HNA Group and Nanshan Group.

Mr Thomas’s appointment came as Singapore Airlines ruled out buying Virgin Australia.