Former Flight Centre exec appointed Virgin Australia’s new CEO
Virgin Australia has named Paul Scurrah as its new chief executive officer and managing director following an extensive global search.
“Paul is a highly regarded business leader in Australia and his appointment is testament to his strong leadership credentials which include more than 20 years’ experience in transport, logistics, travel and aviation,” Elizabeth Bryan, Virgin Australia’s group chairman, said.
“The board received enormous interest in the role both locally and internationally and Paul’s highly relevant transport and logistics expertise, and strong commercial background make him the ideal candidate to consolidate the Group’s achievements and continue to build momentum into the future.
“Paul inherits a strong business and we are confident he is well placed to deliver the next phase of the Group’s strategy.”
Current CEO and managing director, John Borghetti, will step down from his role on 25 March.
Bryan said Borghetti has been a dedicated and talented CEO and managing director for the group for the past eight years.
“He pioneered a major transformation in the aviation industry to reposition the airline as a formidable competitor across all segments of the market,” she said.
“John has made a significant mark on the aviation industry as a whole and Australian travellers have benefited because of his commitment and dedication to improving airline travel.
“The board and I are grateful for his leadership and transformation of the airline into the diversified group that it is today.”
Scurrah said leading the Virgin Australia Group is an immense honour and privilege.
“The group has positioned itself as a real competitor in the market with its ability to deliver all segments and I am excited to be joining such a progressive and innovative business,” he said.
“I look forward to meeting the team and building on the groups success.”
Scurrah officially commences his role on 25 March 2019 and will also join the VAH board as an executive director.
He resides in Brisbane and will divide his time between the Virgin operational headquarters in Brisbane and the group’s corporate headquarters in Sydney.
With more than 20 years’ leadership experience under his belt, Scurrah served as CEO and managing director of DP World Australia for the past 5 years.
He began his aviation career at Australian Airlines and has also held positions at Qantas, Ansett Australia and was a key figure in the establishment of Regional Express (Rex).
During his time at Flight Centre, Scurrah was responsible for developing their global strategic plan and acquiring the online company that propelled the agency to the number one travel site at the time.
He is currently a non-executive director of Gold Coast Football Club and has previously held board positions at Australia Post, Asian Terminals Inc, Australian Federation of Travel Agents, AOT Group, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse LTD and public transport group – Australian Railway Association.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Runaway Bay Motor Inn on the Gold Coast for sale after three decades of ownership
The Runaway Bay Motor Inn, the only 40-plus room motel on the Gold Coast is up for sale after three decades of ownership by a Tasmanian family. It is situated on a 5,591sqm freehold site and comprises 41 guest rooms, a manager’s residence, reception and office space, a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and function area […]
Italian National Tourist Board promotes ‘Roots Tourism’ in Melbourne
The Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and several Regional tourist boards, held a B2B workshop in Melbourne last week focused on Roots Tourism. The event, on 4 October, brought together approximately 50 Australian agents and tour operators 10 Italian suppliers and regional “Italea” experts. […]
Qantas 787 Dreamliner departs Sydney for Cyprus to bring home Aussies
We wish the flight crew and passengers a safe journey.
A Culinary Journey Through Southwest France
Let's face it - if you're going to France, you just have to enjoy all of the food and drink on offer.
Seafood Excellence winners launch new sea-to-plate menu onboard Luxe Island Seafood Cruise
The 2024-25 season of the ultimate seafood dining experience, Luxe Island Seafood Cruise at Rottnest Island, has a new sustainable seafood menu and is now open for booking. Owned by Sea West and operated by its brand Rottnest Cruises, the award-winning Luxe Island Seafood Cruise offers an indulgent day of cruising onboard a 69ft, three-level […]
Qantas offers flights from Cyprus to help get Australians home from Lebanon
Free flights on Qantas Boeing 787 out of Cyprus will bring home up to 440 Australians.
35 per cent base salary increase part of Virgin Australia pilots new enterprise agreement
Virgin Australia pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a new enterprise agreement that delivers substantial improvements to their pay and working conditions, following 15 months of negotiations. The new agreement guarantees a 35 per cent base salary increase in the first year, followed by 3 per cent annual increases and includes industry-leading lifestyle and […]
Brisbane makes top 10 list of trending global destinations for 2025
Given this 'demand' is driven by Millennial and Gen Z travellers, this may change tomorrow - or today.
Emirates announces partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development
Emirates is going solar... Even its planes can’t say no to a bit of fun in the sun!
Australia’s best & worst international airline food rankings: Who’s on top?
Now matter how often you fly, the foil wrapper is always lifted with anticipation, sometimes followed by indigestion.
Insure&Go warns Aussies of costly travel insurance mistakes as international travel surges
We wonder what other countries need to be warned about alcohol overconsumption clauses... The Irish may get a start!
Shipshape start to the South Australian 2024-25 cruise season
The food of Kangaroo Island, the wine of Clare Valley and wrapping their lips around pronouncing Fleurieu Peninsula.
PROFILE: Tony Wheeler, Lonely Planet founder and constant traveller
No doubt he's covered a few miles and has a few million frequent flyer points. Passports? He's probably had a few too.
Hotel, flight bookings spike as fans head to grand finals, aka Katy Perry and Kid Laroi concerts
Three-peat was pushing it, and four-peat would be just ridiculous. We are talking of the made-up word, not the stat.
Explora Journeys unveils marine photography exhibition by Prince Hussain Aga Khan aboard EXPLORA II
We'd be setting up a 'cameras for sale' stand outside the gallery because we're certain guests are going to be inspired!
Wendy Wu Tours unveils new Namibia Adventure tour
Wendy Wu is spreading her wings to the wilds of Africa, so our animal instincts predict amazing itins.
Air Vanuatu set to fly again after court decides to allow restructure
The news gives us hope that perhaps one of our recently defunct carriers may get a second life, albeit unlikely.
Riviera Travel River Cruises launches early bird sale for 2026
We hope there is a not a set of scales on these cruises, or a weight limit on the ships for that matter.
Qatar Airways expands to Canada with launch of Toronto flights
Qatar's going from strength to strength at the moment. The same can't be said for our progress in the gym...
ATIA wins big with federal inquiry into tourism and international education
We're generally used to hearing about the negatives coming out of a Federal inquiry, so this is a nice change of tune.
Silversea announces development of the southernmost hotel on earth
Staying at this hotel is going to be absolutely terrifying if you are a flat earther!
Auckland and Rotorua launch ‘2 Easy’ campaign to attract Aussies
As an Aussie, we do feel very seen by this campaign. Thank you New Zealand.
AmaWaterways unveils progress in Colombia ahead of 2025 Launch
That's cruising in Colombia with an O not a U. There is a significant difference.
My Cruises announces exclusive collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is churning out the news lately, we can't imagine how chaotic the office must be.
Why cycle tourism is wheelie booming!
It takes a very brave sort of person to wear cycle shorts and here at Travel Weekly we respect bravery.
Tauck, Disney Destinations and Washington DC release the industry Bucket List and Luxury Travel
If you need a big white gloved hand putting together a list of things to do before you die, this is Mickey Mouse!
Travel planning is not a box of cereal, say agents in response to ALDI portal launch
Good. Different. Agents aren't so sure buying an angle grinder and a holiday from the same place is such a good idea.
Guests as Phuket’s Trisara Resort set to experience two nights of culinary excellence
Don't let this white sandy beach fool you, there's serious foodie stuff happening at Trisara Resort this month.
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort new general manager named
This place is as famous as Steve McGarrett, of Hawaii Five-0 fame, and almost as stylish as the original's hairdo!
Aussie agents live it up in South America with Chimu Adventures
If you missed out on this one, Chimu says there's more famils on the horizon... Happy selling!
WATCH: TTC Tour Brands European Rendezvous launch event with sales manager Mickey Mann
To be honest it would be criminal to have the name Mickey Mann and be a wallflower. Shine Mickey, shine.
New offerings at W Hollywood unveiled alongside a refresh and amenities upgrade
No trip to LA would be complete with a rooftop bar visit and star-spotting, and the W Hollywood ticks those boxes.
The EVE Hotel Sydney releases official design gallery
Got a penchant for fine design? We suggest an evening at the EVE!
Visit Qatar launches a new global campaign
As Qatar prepares to take 25% of Virgin, it's also bumping up it's tourism messaging. Coincidence? We think not...
WATCH: First plane lands on new Western Sydney Airport
If you weren't already across this news, we consider ourselves as bigger plane geeks than you!
Iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ artwork takes pride of place at ICC Sydney
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has announced the addition of the monumental artwork ‘Spirit of Sydney’ by renowned Australian artist Frank Hodgkinson to its collection. Normally reserved for event attendees, members of the community were able to view the iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ mural at the venue’s art tours, guided […]
Can’t believe it has taken the board this long to get new blood at the top. not exactly the high flyer I was anticipating would get the job – not even from the aviation industry – but obviously it is not se easy to find candidates with a proven record in rescuing an airline that has been going nowhere from day one. The board has made one glaring mistake – hopefully this is not a repeat.