The Board of Virgin Australia has announced the appointment of Dave Emerson as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jayne Hrdlicka, who indicated her intention to retire in February 2024.
Emerson, currently serving as Virgin Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer since June 2021, brings 25 years of experience in the aviation and tourism industries. He has earned an international reputation for delivering business transformation and excellent financial results, having worked alongside global airlines.
In his current role, Emerson has been instrumental in positioning the airline as a value and choice carrier, placing customers and employees at the heart of its operations.
He will begin transitioning into the CEO role immediately, officially assuming the position on Friday, March 14, 2025. Hrdlicka will continue to support the transition as required over the coming months.
Incoming CEO Dave Emerson commented: “Travel is critical to the way we all live our lives and Virgin Australia plays a vital role for the community in making this possible every day.”
“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead the airline and it’s 8,000 strong team on its next exciting chapter. I have experienced first-hand the remarkable journey over 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 our key differentiator in the highly competitive Australian aviation landscape.”
