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Former Virgin Australia boss Rob Sharp has been appointed interim CEO of Airservices Australia as it searches for a permanent replacement.
Sharp, who left Virgin in 2019 as part of a management restructure, was CEO of Tigerair for four years before becoming Virgin’s group executive for airlines. After Virgin, he served as secretary of Transport for NSW from 2021–23, and will now serve a 12-month term at Airservices.
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“Rob will commence with the organisation on Monday 29 July 2024 and joins with over 30 years of senior executive management and CEO experience,” said Airservices acting board chair Anne Brown.
“His appointment reflects the Board’s recognition of the value that an expert, external perspective can bring in progressing the challenges and opportunities presented by Airservices’ significant business transformation programme.
“His familiarity with high reliability and safety critical industries including air transport, construction, energy and technology ensures he brings an advantageous mix of customer, strategy, operational and transformative thinking to lead and support Airservices’ strategic priorities.”
John Weber has also been reappointed as chair of the Airservices board until June 2025, said Transport Minister Catherine King, who welcomed his and Sharp’s appointments.
“The appointment of Mr Sharp as Interim CEO of Airservices Australia recognises his considerable experience in aviation, business, accountancy and engineering,” Minister King said.
“Together, Mr Weber and Mr Sharp’s knowledge and experience will provide continuity to the organisation in the coming period and help Airservices Australia navigate future opportunities and growth in aviation.”
The search for a new Airservices CEO comes after Jason Harfield stepped down in June following an eight-year tenure, having reached the end of his contract.
Harfield replaced his predecessor Margaret Staib in 2016, having served as acting CEO since her departure the previous year. Among his first acts as full CEO was to initiate an overhaul of the organisation, including cutting staff and looking to new technologies.
Under his tenure, Airservices moved forward on its new OneSKY/CMATS air traffic management system, with testing beginning earlier this year on the technology that will unify civilian and military air traffic control across Australian airspace.
Harfield’s term was not without controversies, with Airservices last year dogged by accusations of understaffing due in part to a retirement incentive program implemented during the pandemic.
Chief strategy and customer experience officer Peter Curran, who was appointed interim CEO after Harfield’s departure, will take up the role of deputy CEO at the end of the month.
