The airline announced six new key appointments to their Executive Leadership Team (ELT), rounding out the team to further drive the company’s transformation.
On Monday (January 18, 2021), Virgin Australia announced six new key appointments to their Executive Leadership Team (ELT) as part of the carrier’s transformation. Lisa Burquest joins the airline from the a2 Milk Company to become Chief People, Strategy and Sustainability Officer. Alistair Hartley, former Director of Strategy for IAG, will become Virgin Australia’s Chief Transformation Officer, while David Marr will join the airline as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Marr previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Woolworths Group.
Additionally, Nick Rohrlach, Co-CEO of Jetstar Japan, will become the CEO of the Velocity loyalty program. Susan Schneider, Virgin Australia’s Genera Manager – Legal and Compliance, has been promoted to Chief Legal and Risk Officer and rounding out the new appointments, Moksha Watts will become the company’s new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. Ms. Watts previously served as Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for The Arnott’s Group. In Monday’s announcement, Virgin Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Jayne Hrdlicka, said in part,
“These people deeply understand our market; and they know our customers. Virgin Australia has signaled a return to its mid-market heartland, targeting value-conscious corporate travelers, small and medium businesses, premium leisure travelers, and holidaymakers who are after a great value airfare and better service. Our new executive team will be at the forefront of helping our team members deliver that strategy. All the new appointees have a demonstrated commitment to staff, customers and the community and are a perfect fit with the Virgin Australia culture I have come to know intimately over the past few months. Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to be Australia’s most loved and best value airline for business and leisure travelers, and to build a strong company that will endure for the long term.
“We have made significant changes to the business and have real momentum despite the current aviation industry challenges. We’ve re-opened lounges in major cities, we’ve matched Qantas’ Frequent Flyer status challenge and included Qantas’ oneworld partner airlines, and we’ve increased flexibility for our customers with dee-free flight changes as our domestic borders remain uncertain. While far from finished, we are off to a good start.”
Source: Virgin Australia