Qantas has announced two new board members, including a new Chairman, as part of its ongoing renewal. The airline has recently faced strong criticism from travellers across many departments of the airline. The national carrier of Australia had a turbulent year in 2023 following the resignation of then-CEO Alan Joyce.
John Mullen will join the Qantas Board from the 1st of July 2024 as Non-Executive Director and Chairman-Elect and will assume the role of Chairman ahead of the Company’s Annual General Meeting this October.
Dr Nora Scheinkestel will also join the Board from the 1st of March 2024 as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
Both Mr Mullen's and Dr Scheinkestel’s positions on the board will be put to shareholders at the AGM. Mr Mullen expects to reduce his existing professional commitments over time.
These new appointments follow the retirement of long-serving directors Maxine Brenner and Jacqueline Hey, who will step down after the company’s half-year results announcement, and the retirement of current Chairman Richard Goyder prior to the AGM.
“Careful management of the board renewal process has been an important part of guiding Qantas through this intense period, and the selection of a new Chair reflects a new chapter," Goyder said whilst announcing the changes.
“Vanessa Hudson and her team have made progress towards delivering better outcomes for customers, and I’m confident that momentum will continue with the guidance of new board members of such high calibre. John brings a wealth of experience as a director and chairman of similarly large and complex companies to Qantas, as well as great depth from his long executive career in the transport sector both here and overseas. He is the right choice to lead the national carrier into its next phase."
Goyder said that Scheinkestel is one of the most seasoned company directors in Australia, with more than 25 years of experience on numerous boards across leading utilities, finance and logistics firms, as well as her deep knowledge of regulatory matters.
On behalf of the board, Goyder recognised the huge contribution that Brenner and Hey have both made during their ten years on the Qantas Board, particularly during the unprecedented challenges the airline faced during the pandemic and in restarting the airline.
“It’s an honour to serve on the Qantas Board. The company’s history and purpose make it unique in corporate Australia, and so does the incredible passion of everyone who is part of it. There’s still much work to do but it is an amazing company with a bright future,” added Goyder.
Mullen said that it was an extraordinary privilege to take up the chairmanship of the national carrier. He added that Qantas is a company he had admired all his life, and he is greatly looking forward to helping the existing team take the company to new heights of service and performance excellence.
“I am conscious of the time commitment that this prestigious role requires and will be adjusting my other professional obligations to ensure that I can be fully focussed on this exciting challenge," said Mullen.
“Qantas has consistently featured as one of the world’s very best airlines, and now that the pandemic is behind us and the airline industry gets back closer to normal, I have every confidence that Qantas will continue to excel. I am honoured to become a part of this journey.”
Scheinkestel said that Qantas holds an iconic place not only in the Australian economy but also in society. She said that it was also a great privilege to join the board.
