Qantas Airways Ltd, Australia's flag carrier, said on Tuesday that it would be appointing finance chief Vanessa Hudson as its new chief executive officer after Alan Joyce retires in November.
In history, Qantas has never had a female CEO.
For over 14 years, Joyce has helped navigate the airline through headwinds related to the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuating fuel prices and competition.
All of the credit goes to Alan for the bright future in front of Qantas. He's faced more than his fair share of challenges as CEO, and he's managed them exceptionally well, said Goyder, chairman of Qantas.
Qantas said that Hudson will continue in her current role and also designate for the role of CEO. She will be the 13th chief executive of Qantas and is expected to take over at the 2023 annual general meeting.
A new CFO will be announced in the months ahead, Mr. Qantas said in a statement.