Qantas, which yesterday confirmed 500 job cuts to its heavy aircraft maintenance workforce, has made major changes to its management team.
The changes will see the departure of Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan and Qantas Airlines group executive commercial and freight, Rob Gurney.
Under the proposed restructure, effective from July 1, Qantas International and Qantas Domestic – currently combined as Qantas Airlines – will be formally managed as two distinct businesses.
Each will have its own CEO and its own operational and commercial functions.
A number of changes will be made to the Qantas Group’s executive management. These include:
Simon Hickey, currently CEO, Qantas Frequent Flyer, will become CEO Qantas International.
Lyell Strambi, currently group executive, Qantas Airlines ԬOperations, will become CEO, Qantas Domestic.
Jayne Hrdlicka, currently group executive, strategy and Ԭtechnology, will become CEO, Jetstar Group.
Lesley Grant, responsible ‘¨for developing Qantas’ international strategy, will become CEO, Qantas Frequent Flyer.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the restructure would strengthen the Qantas Group’s portfolio and help deliver its strategic goals. "We have begun the process of restoring Qantas International to a sustainable position," he said.
Bruce Buchanan will remain with Jetstar for the next six months to assist with the transition. He will then provide consultancy services to the group for an additional 18 months.
In a statement, Qantas said Rob Gurney has decided that it is appropriate to leave the group.
by Ian Jarrett
