Dave Emerson has been appointed Chief Government Officer of Virgin Australia, succeeding Jayne Hrdlicka who introduced her intention to retire final yr.

Emerson at present serves as Virgin Australia’s Chief Business Officer, a job he has held since June 2021.

He’ll start his transition into the CEO position instantly and can formally assume the position on Friday March 14, with Hrdlicka persevering with to assist as wanted over the approaching months.

All through his 25 years of expertise within the aviation and tourism industries, working alongside world airways, Dave has earned a global status for delivering enterprise transformation and glorious monetary outcomes.

“After a world search, it was clear that Dave is the fitting chief to proceed the implementation of Virgin Australia’s technique,” mentioned Virgin Australia Chairman, Ryan Cotton.

“Detailed plans are in place which is able to ship continued progress, robust enterprise efficiency, and continuity of technique additional enhancing Virgin Australia’s aggressive place within the Australian market.

“Dave additionally appreciates what’s particular about Virgin Australia – our workforce and our individuals – and can proceed to behave as a steward of our superb tradition.

“We’re assured Dave is not going to miss a beat in main continued robust efficiency and progress throughout our enterprise.”

Cotton thanked Jayne for her distinctive management of the corporate throughout difficult instances.

“Jayne has been tireless in her mission to guide this firm again to greatness,” he mentioned.

“Virgin Australia is in a superb place for the longer term because of her management via a few of the most tough instances in our business.

“Jayne shared with us all a imaginative and prescient for the position Virgin Australia might play in Australian aviation and has led the rebuilding of each side of our airline to make sure that we might ship nice outcomes for our individuals and our clients whereas additionally delivering vital returns to shareholders. We’re unhappy to see her go, and he or she leaves with our deepest appreciation and gratitude for a job properly performed.”

Incoming CEO Dave Emerson mentioned he’s humbled by the chance to guide the airline and its 8,000-strong workforce.

“I’ve skilled firsthand the outstanding journey over the previous 4 years as we now have reinvented Virgin Australia,” he mentioned.

“We exist for our clients, however it’s our people who find themselves the guts of this organisation. They’re central to our model and our key differentiator within the extremely aggressive Australian aviation panorama.”

Hrdlicka described her time at Virgin Australia as a “profession spotlight” and a “big privilege”.

“I couldn’t be extra pleased with how a lot we now have achieved collectively as a workforce,” she mentioned.

“At this time, Virgin Australia is essentially the most dependable airline, essentially the most trusted and essentially the most cherished airline within the nation and is delivering distinctive returns for its shareholders.

“We have now detailed plans in place for the following 4 years which assist a really shiny outlook for Virgin Australia Group. It’s now the proper time to transition management for this subsequent chapter. Dave is a superb option to succeed me as CEO.

“He has confirmed himself as a robust chief and has been a key contributor to Virgin Australia’s profitable transformation journey. His breadth of expertise can be invaluable to the corporate and he brings the added benefit of being a part of the workforce that created our blueprint for continued enchancment in each profitability and progress.”