VA’s mid-market move

VIRGIN Australia has made several key appointments to its executive team today, recruits that the airline believes will revive its struggling performance to “its mid-market heartland”.

Former co-CEO of Jetstar Japan Nick Rohrlach heads the high-powered list of new blood, taking on the role of CEO of Virgin’s Velocity loyalty scheme, while Woolworths Group Chief Operating Officer David Marr has joined VA as its new CFO.

Further appointments have seen former a2 Milk Company HR chief Lisa Burquest become the airline’s new Chief People Officer; Alistair Hartley take on the position of Chief Transformation Officer, Susan Schneider promoted to Chief Legal and Risk Officer; and Moksha Watts become Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.

VA’s CEO Jayne Hrdlicka was seen by many in the aviation sector as a major change agent when she replaced Paul Scurrah as VA’s leader in Oct last year (TD 15 Oct 2020), with the carrier’s chief stating today the new recruits will ensure its strategic transition under new owner Bain Capital is in good hands.

“Virgin Australia has signalled a return to its mid-market heartland, targeting valueconscious corporate travellers, small and medium businesses, premium leisure travellers, and holidaymakers who are after a great value airfare and better service,” Hrdlicka said.

“All the new appointees have a demonstrated commitment to staff, customers and the community and are a perfect fit with the Virgin Australia culture I have come to know intimately over the past few months.”

The appointments follow the recruitment of Paul Jones as Chief Customer and Digital Officer last month (TD 14 Dec 2020).