THE transport and business executive will replace Richard Goyder as Chairman of the Qantas Board, while Dr Nora Scheinkestel will also join the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
Mullen will officially come on board on 01 July as Non-Executive Director and Chairman Elect, before assuming the role of Chairman ahead of the Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October.
Goyder, who is preparing to retire prior to the AGM after more than five years as Qantas’ Chairman, said “careful management of the board renewal process has been an important part of guiding Qantas through this intense period, and the selection of a new Chair reflects a new chapter”.
“John brings a wealth of experience as a director and chairman of similarly large and complex companies to Qantas, as well as great depth from his long executive career in the transport sector both here and overseas. He is the right choice to lead the national carrier into its next phase.”
Declaring his appointment as “an extraordinary privilege”, Mullen said he plans on adjusting his other professional obligations, which include acting as Chairman for Treasury Wine Estates and Brambles, to ensure he has enough time to help “take the company to new heights of service and performance excellence”.
As Scheinkestel also prepares to join the Board from 01 March, long-serving directors Maxine Brenner and Jacqueline Hey will step down after the company’s half-year results tomorrow.
“Nora is one of the most seasoned company directors in the country, with more than 25 years’ experience on numerous boards across leading utilities, finance and logistics firms as well as her deep knowledge of regulatory matters,” Goyder shared.
“On behalf of their fellow Board members, I’d like to recognise the huge contribution that Maxine and Jacquie have both made during their 10 years on the Qantas Board, particularly during the unprecedented challenges we faced during the pandemic and in restarting the airline.”
The changes come as Qantas continues its process of ongoing renewal, which began last year following former CEO Alan Joyce’s departure.
