The Qantas Group has announced a major restructuring of the management of Jetstar, which it says will position the low cost carrier group for future growth across the Asian region.
Under the changes, current Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan has been appointed to the role of group chief executive officer for Jetstar, under which he will continue to oversee the expansion of the Jetstar branded carriers, supported by an executive team.
With Buchanan’s role now expanded, Qantas’s group executive corporate services and technology David Hall has been appointed CEO of Jetstar Australia and New Zealand, with responsibility for flying operations, airports, pilots, cabin crew, engineering, safety and technical programs, including the introduction of the Boeing 787. Prior to the role with Qantas, Hall was Jetstar’s chief financial officer.
“This change in structure builds a strong foundation for continued growth for Jetstar. This will ensure we are well placed to successfully expand our footprint to new markets throughout Asia,” said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.
The new structure will also see changes to the Jetstar Asia operation, with CEO Chong Phit-Lian’s role expanded to include responsibility for Jetstar investments and businesses in Asia. She will also assume responsibility for building its Singapore long haul flying hub.
As a result of Hall moving into the new position, there will be changes to the responsibilities of some Qantas executives, with CFO Gareth Evans to take control of the QFuture program, while Jayne Hrdlicka, who will join Qantas from Bain & Company, will assume responsibility for strategy from Hall in an acting capacity. Hall will retain responsibility for Qantas’s Business Information Solutions in the short term until new arrangements are finalised.
