The Qantas Group has revealed that Vanessa Hudson will take over at the helm of Qantas when current CEO Alan Joyce retires in November 2023.
Hudson will become the new Qantas CEO and Managing Director after holding various executive roles across the group for more than 28 years.
Currently Qantas Chief Financial Officer, Hudson has also been Chief Customer Officer and Senior Vice President for Qantas across the Americas and New Zealand.
Set to become just the 13th Qantas CEO in 103 years of operations, Hudson will continue in her present role while also being CEO designate and joining the Qantas board.
She will take over as CEO following the group’s annual general meeting, while an announcement on a new CFO will be made at a later date.
“Outstanding leader”
Qantas Group chairman Richard Goyder 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”.
Among those was Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth.
“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 said it was “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,” she remarked.
“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.”
Chair pays tribute to Joyce
Goyder also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Joyce, who led the airline – through some massive ups and downs – for 15 years.
“This transition is happening at a time when the Qantas Group is extremely well positioned,” he stated.
“We have a clear strategy, a strong balance sheet and record profitability that supports a pipeline of investment for customers, opportunities for our people and returns to shareholders.”
“Much of the credit for the bright future in front of Qantas goes to Alan. 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.
“The company was restructured to deal with a number of external shocks and Alan led it to a several record profits.
“He’s overseen a lot of investment in aircraft, lounges, the creation of Jetstar, our cornerstone partnership with Emirates and innovations like the Perth-London route and Project Sunrise.
“Alan has done a superb job of leading a team that is absolutely committed to the national carrier’s long term success and it’s from that team that his successor has been chosen.”
Joyce said he had extended his time as CEO through the pandemic recovery at the Board’s request, “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,” he added.
Vanessa Hudson joined Qantas in 1994 and has held the position of CFO since October 2019.
Career Summary at Qantas:
- 2019 – Present: Chief Financial Officer
- 2018 – 2019: Chief Customer Officer
- 2016 – 2018: Executive Manager, Sales and Distribution
- 2013 – 2016: Senior Executive Vice President, The Americas
- 2010 – 2013: Executive Manager, Commercial Planning
- 2005 – 2010: Executive Manager, Product Services
- 2001 – 2005: General Manager, Inflight Services
- 1997 – 2001: Catering Product Manager
- 1995 – 1997: Financial Controller, Commercial Division
- 1994 – 1995: Internal Audit Supervisor
