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The race to choose the next Qantas CEO has begun after Alan Joyce announced he would step down from the top job at the end of 2023, with three executives battling to replace him.
- Joyce said she would stay at least until the end of the year.
- Speculations arise as to who could replace him
- Cameron Wallace is the latest CEO candidate
A third hat has been thrown into the ring in the race for a potential new Qantas boss as Alan Joyce prepares to step down as chief executive at the end of the year.
The airline announced Monday that Cameron Wallace, a former Air New Zealand customer and commercial director, had been appointed chief executive of Qantas International and Freight.
Mr. Wallace will begin his new role on July 1 after an extensive career spanning two decades in the aviation industry in the Asia Pacific region.
His appointment has sparked speculation that Qantas may be preparing for a new CEO, with Qantas Loyalty Director Olivia Worth and CFO Vanessa Hudson also in the running to replace Joyce.
Joyce, who has served as chief executive since 2008, said last week that he plans to stay until at least the end of this year.
Alan Joyce, who has served as Qantas’ chief executive since 2008, said last week that he plans to stay until at least the end of this year. Speculation has arisen as to who could replace him.
Qantas Chairman Richard Goyder also said late last year that Joyce would serve as the airline’s chief executive “through at least the end of 2023.”
The airline announced Monday that Cameron Wallace, a former Air New Zealand customer and chief commercial officer, had been appointed chief executive of Qantas International and Freight.
Andrew David, who currently holds the role of chief executive of Qantas Domestic and International, will step down in September and the role will be split in two “as each business welcomes new aircraft and expands its network.”
Joyce called Wallace “one of the best airline executives in the region” in Monday’s announcement.
“He brings more than two decades of airline experience, including his long career with Air New Zealand, with responsibilities spanning sales, revenue management, market development, alliances and cargo,” he said.
“Cam inherits a very talented team and will add to the depth of experience on our Group Management Committee.”
Another CEO candidate, Ms. Hudson, has worked for the airline for 28 years and has held her role as CFO since October 2019.
Olivia Wirth, chief executive of Qantas Loyalty, is another top contender for the top job.
Ms Hudson said she was ready to take up the top job last March.
“If the Board would give me the opportunity to step into Alan’s shoes, I would be incredibly honored and proud to do so,” she told Bloomberg.
Ms Wirth, another favourite, has been with the airline for 13 years and was promoted to chief executive of Qantas Loyalty in March 2018.
She oversees the frequent flyer program in her role.
Qantas last week posted an interim underlying pre-tax profit of $1.43 billion, in its first return to profitability since the Covid pandemic began three years ago.
Vanessa Hudson has worked for the airline for 28 years and has been in her role as CFO since October 2019.