Vanessa Hudson now helms Qantas as its first female CEO
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It’s the changing of the guard! An end of an era!
Vanessa Hudson is taking over Australia’s national carrier Qantas in November as Alan Joyce, who was supposed to retire in 2020, stepped down after 15 years of being in-charge. Hudson will become the airline’s 13th chief executive in its 103-year history and its first female leader.
Ms Hudson will continue in her current role while also being CEO designate and joining the Board, before taking over as the company’s CEO following the 2023 Annual General Meeting. An announcement on a new CFO will be made in the months ahead.
Hudson has been with the Australian airline for almost 30 years, taking roles ranging from network planning and catering to running its US and New Zealand operations. Prior to becoming CEO, she was the airline’s finance chief after being promoted in 2019 seeing the carrier through one of the most challenging and tumultuous periods in aviation history.
“It’s 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. 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,” Hudson said.
Speaking at a press conference, Hudson stressed that she hoped to build a “constructive relationship” with the employees as the airline recovers from the pandemic. Joyce’s job cuts did not sit well the unions to bolster its profits.
She also mentioned a AUD 200 million (USD 133m) investment in improving its customer services and a fleet overhaul project dubbed Project Sunrise as growth opportunities.
Hudson’s appointment proved that women continue to triumph in male-dominated space. TD IWTA Awards celebrates inspiring women in different sectors of travel who have made significant impact in the workplace or community. It also recognises companies that are safe workplaces for women that foster a respectful, equal-opportunity environment.
Thus, TD IWTA is calling for nominees for several categories. Nominate an inspiring woman you know and join us at Montien Surawong in Bangkok on 24 June 2023 where senior executives and distinguished travel trade professionals will come together to celebrate the stories, journeys, and contributions of women in travel in Asia.
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