RESPECTED aviation executive Cameron Wallace has been appointed as CEO of Qantas International and Freight from o1 July 2023.
The recruitment will precipitate major changes in the executive team for the Flying Kangaroo, with CEO of Qantas Domestic and International Andrew David to transition to CEO of Qantas Domestic, before retiring from the company altogether in September.
In his new role, Wallace will be charged with growing Qantas International’s capacity to 100% of pre-COVID levels and beyond, as well as guiding preparations for Project Sunrise through to the first flight scheduled to take off in late 2025.
In announcing the changes, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said it was important that the carrier rationalised the two CEO roles that it implemented during the pandemic.
“With Andrew retiring and given the amount of investment now in the pipeline, it makes sense to again have separate CEOs for the international and domestic businesses, which are both back to generating billions in revenue each year,” Joyce said.
“Andrew has contributed a huge amount during his 10 years across both Qantas and Jetstar. His leadership of Qantas’ domestic, international and freight businesses has been pivotal, especially during the incredible challenge of putting the airline into hibernation and bringing it back again.
“The Qantas Group has always been able to attract top talent and Cam Wallace is one of the best airline executives in the region. He brings over two decades of airline experience including his long career at Air New Zealand, with responsibilities spanning sales, revenue management, market development, alliances and cargo,” he added.
Speaking about his new role, Wallace said it was a great time to be joining Qantas during such a heavy phase of investment.
“It’s the world leader in opening up direct international routes, and Project Sunrise is one of the most exciting things happening in aviation – I’m really looking forward to working with Alan and the team,” Wallace gushed.
The restructure has many in the travel industry looking closely at Alan Joyce’s role as CEO and who will possibly replace him when he eventually decides to move on, which some sources are suggesting may be as soon as the end of the year.
If Wallace were to end up taking the top job, it would appear he will have to beat out Qantas Loyalty Chief Executive Olivia Wirth and the airline’s Chief Financial Officer Vanessa Hudson first to be successful.
