Dave Emerson (pictured, above) has been Virgin Australia’s chief commercial officer since 2021, and he will step into the CEO role on 14 March 2025, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka who announced her intention to retire from the position in February 2024.
The new CEO announcement comes on the back of Qatar Airlines recently getting the green light to purchase 25 per cent of Virgin Australia.
Emerson has more than 25 years’ experience in the aviation and tourism industries, and has immediately transitioned into his role of CEO ahead of his formal commencement date.
Hrdlicka, who is also chair of Tennis Australia, will support the transition as needed for the next few months.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead the airline and its 8000-strong team on its next exciting chapter,” says Emerson.
“I have experienced firsthand the remarkable journey during the past four years as we have reinvented Virgin Australia.
“We exist for our customers, but it is our people who are the heart of this organisation.
“They are central to our brand and are our key differentiator in the highly competitive Australian aviation landscape.
“I will continue the transformation journey begun under Jayne’s outstanding leadership – the strategy we set as we emerged from administration several years ago is now paying off.
“As we return to long-haul international flying, and innovate our domestic services, we can open greater choice and even better value travel experiences for our customers.”
Virgin Australia chairman Ryan Cotton says Emerson is the right person for the job, despite the airline conducting a global search for its new CEO.
“It was clear Dave is the right leader to continue the implementation of Virgin Australia’s strategy,” he says.
“Detailed plans are in place which will deliver continued growth, strong business performance and continuity of strategy to further enhance Virgin Australia’s competitive position in the Australian market.
“Dave also appreciates what is special about Virgin Australia – our team and our people – and will continue to act as a steward of our amazing culture.
“Having had the opportunity to work with Dave during the past four years, we recognise his unique breadth of commercial, digital and customer experience, plus his deep knowledge of Australian aviation.”
Hrdlicka says she is proud to have led Virgin Australia but is looking forward to moving on.
“It has been a career highlight and a huge privilege to lead Virgin Australia, and I could not be more proud of how much we have achieved together as a team,” she says.
“Today, Virgin Australia is the most reliable airline, the most trusted and the most loved airline in the country and is delivering exceptional returns for its shareholders.
“We have detailed plans in place for the next four years which support a very bright outlook for Virgin Australia Group.
“It is now the perfect time to transition leadership for this next chapter, and Dave is an excellent choice to succeed me as CEO.
“He has proven himself as a strong leader and has been a key contributor to Virgin Australia’s successful transformation journey.
“His breadth of experience will be invaluable to the company, and he brings the added advantage of being part of the team that created our blueprint for continued improvement in profitability and growth.”
