Qantas's management exodus continues as loyalty chief quits

By Stuart Condie

SYDNEY -- The head of Qantas Airways's loyalty division has quit the Australian carrier, adding to the leadership churn that has already included the departures of its chief executive and chairman.

Qantas (AU:QAN) on Monday said that Olivia Wirth had resigned and will leave the airline in February. Wirth has been at Qantas for 14 years, leading its frequent flyer program since 2018.

"She drove huge expansion of what the program offers and that shows in the growth in members and their engagement levels," Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson said.

Australian media previously reported that Wirth had been a contender for CEO before Hudson was promoted from chief financial officer to replace Alan Joyce. Joyce stepped down in September, two months ahead of his planned retirement, amid a furor over allegations Qantas had sold tickets for already canceled flights.

This month, Chairman Richard Goyder and other board members they would step down as the company seeks to repair its battered reputation.

On Monday, Qantas said it had appointed Catherine Walsh to the new role of chief people officer. Walsh previously held a leadership role at PWC.

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10-15-23 1805ET

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