Jetstar Asia CEO Chong Phit Lian will step down early next year after six years with the budget carrier, Jetstar announced Thursday.
Chong is leaving to pursue opportunities outside of the aviation sector, Jetstar said in a statement. She will remain on the company’s board.
Jetstar said the search for a replacement was well underway, with a new CEO expected to be announced in early 2012. Chong will resign effective February 1.
“Six years ago there were many who regarded Jetstar Asia as the underdog in a crowded marketplace,” Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said. “Ms Chong has been an important member of the Jetstar Group leadership team that has helped make Jetstar Asia a successful business in its own right and a key pillar in our broader pan-Asian strategy.”
Based in Singapore, Jetstar Asia is 49 per cent owned by Qantas as part of a joint venture with Singapore company Westbrook Investments.
Jetstar Asia reported pre-tax profits of S$18 million ($13.8 million) in financial year 2010/2011, its best ever result
