The national carrier’s financial chief Vanessa Hudson will replace long-term boss Alan Joyce, who will retire in November after 15 years at the helm.

Qantas chairman Richard Goyder said the appointment came after a rigorous selection process.

“A lot of thought has gone into this succession and the Board had a number of high-quality candidates to consider,” he  said.

“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.”

Hudson has served as the airline’s chief financial officer since 2019 and has filled a series of Qantas executive roles during her almost-30-year career at the carrier.

The chartered accountant has overseen areas ranging from sales channels, revenue management and network planning, to transformation in catering, airports and network.

“It’s an absolute honour to be asked to lead the national carrier,” she said.

“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 will continue in her current role while also being CEO designate and joining the Qantas board, before taking over as the company’s 13^th CEO in 103 years following the 2023 Annual General Meeting. The company said an announcement on a new CFO will be made in the months ahead.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Owen Birrell said Hudson was the logical choice as the most suitable candidate.

“She has been involved in developing group strategy for the last five years and also led the fleet selection process in 2022 for the renewal of the domestic jet aircraft fleet,” he said.

“Her job as the airline’s chief financial officer since October 2019 will have prepared her well for the ‘very public’ role as Qantas CEO.”

Hudson was selected from a field of close to 40 external candidates, but ultimately the board’s decision came down to a choice between her and another internal candidate, Qantas Loyalty head Olivia Wirth.

Goyder said the appointment allowed for a smooth transition following Joyce’s long tenure and said he had left the airline well-positioned and in a strong financial position.

“Much of the credit for the bright future in front of Qantas goes to Alan,” he said.

Joyce said he had extended his time as Qantas chief executive at the board’s request to see through the airline’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

“Now that we’re on the other side of that crisis it’s a logical time for me to step down,” he said.

Joyce, who was born in Ireland, took the helm at Qantas in November 2008 after previously heading its budget subsidiary, Jetstar.

He has been credited with helping to turn around the airline’s fortunes, including the delivery of soaring profits after it emerged from the aviation doldrums of the COVID pandemic.

But his tenure attracted controversy for his battles with unions, including over the 2020 decision to outsource the jobs of about 1600 ground crew.

The Federal Court found the pandemic-era move was illegal, a decision the airline has appealed to the High Court.

– with AAP

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