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Virgin Australia has selected chief commercial officer Dave Emerson as its new chief executive.
Emerson, a 21-year veteran of Virgin owner Bain Capital’s sister consultancy firm Bain & Company, was brought in as CCO in 2021. He will replace outgoing CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, who announced her departure from the top job last year.
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According to Virgin Australia chairman Ryan Cotton, a global search proved that Emerson, who has 25 years of experience in the aviation and tourism industries, is “the right leader to continue the implementation of Virgin Australia’s strategy”.
“Detailed plans are in place which will deliver continued growth, strong business performance, and continuity of strategy further enhancing Virgin Australia’s competitive position in the Australian market,” he said.
“Dave also appreciates what is special about Virgin Australia – our team and our people – and will continue to act as a steward of our amazing culture. We are confident Dave will not miss a beat in leading continued strong performance and growth across our business.
“Having had the opportunity to work with Dave over the last four years we recognise his unique breadth of commercial, digital and customer experience plus his deep knowledge of Australian aviation. He is well placed to support the strong momentum of the business and ensure the team continues to go from strength to strength.
“Dave has been a core part of the team, developing our plans for transformation and growth of the business, with our team and customers very much at the core. He is well-respected right across our organisation.”
The announcement comes as Virgin prepares to launch long-haul flights to Doha under a wet-lease agreement with Qatar Airways, with the government late last month giving Qatar the nod to buy 25 per cent of the carrier.
In a statement, Emerson said he was “humbled by the opportunity to lead the airline and its 8,000 strong team”.
“Today, we are Australia’s most loved airline, delivering industry leading operational performance and record financial results,” Emerson said.
“I will continue the transformation journey begun under Jayne’s outstanding leadership. The strategy we set as we emerged from Administration several years ago is now paying off.
“As we return to long-haul international flying, and innovate our domestic services, we can open greater choice and even better value travel experiences for our customers, including more opportunities to reward them for their loyalty. Importantly, it also creates new opportunities for our team.”
Emerson will formally assume the CEO role on 14 March, with the transition beginning immediately. Hrdlicka, who will remain with the airline for several months to assist as needed, said it had been a “huge privilege” to lead Virgin Australia.
“We have detailed plans in place for the next four years which support a very bright outlook for Virgin Australia Group. It is now the perfect time to transition leadership for this next chapter,” she said.
“Dave is an excellent choice to succeed me as CEO. He has proven himself as a strong leader and has been a key contributor to Virgin Australia’s successful transformation journey.
“His breadth of experience will be invaluable to the company and he brings the added advantage of being part of the team that created our blueprint for continued improvement in both profitability and growth.”
Emerson’s appointment comes after a protracted search that saw former frontrunner, chief customer and digital officer Paul Jones ruled out of contention after fierce criticism over his involvement in the illegal outsourcing of Qantas ground workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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says:Congratulations for sure but, is he an Airline man or a Bain man?