Virgin Australia appoints Dave Emerson as new CEO

Virgin Australia has promoted chief commercial officer Dave Emerson to the role of chief executive officer, succeeding Jayne Hrdlicka.

Emerson’s role is effective as of Friday, 14 March. Emerson, who has been with the airline since June 2021 succeeds Hrdlicka who confirmed her decision to retire in February 2024 after leading the airline through a transformative period.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the aviation and tourism industries, Emerson is widely regarded for his ability to deliver business transformation and strong financial results. His aviation history includes time at America West Airlines. and he is also former senior partner at Bain & Company.

As Virgin Australia’s chief commercial officer, he played a pivotal role in positioning the airline as a customer-centric carrier focused on value and choice.

Virgin Australia chairman, Ryan Cotton, expressed his confidence in Emerson’s ability to lead the airline into its next phase.

“After a global search, it was clear that Dave is the right leader to continue the implementation of Virgin Australia’s strategy,” Cotton said. “We are confident that Dave will not miss a beat in leading continued strong performance and growth across our business.”

Emerson’s appointment comes at a time when Virgin Australia is poised for further expansion. The airline recently announced its return to long-haul international flights, the sale of Bain Capital’s remaining 25 per cent stake to Qatar Airways and it continues to innovate its domestic services. 

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead Virgin Australia and its 8,000-strong team into the next exciting phase of our journey,” Emerson said. “We exist for our customers, but it is our people who are the heart of this organisation.”

While Emerson transitions into his new role, Hrdlicka will remain involved, supporting the leadership handover for the coming months. Emerson said he was committed to continuing the work initiated by Hrdlicka and the broader leadership team.

“The strategy we set as we emerged from administration is now paying off,” Emerson said. “As we return to long-haul international flying, we can open greater choice and even better value travel experiences for our customers.”

Hrdlicka, who led the airline through its recovery post-COVID, said she was proud  of the airline’s achievements during her tenure.

“It has been a career highlight and a huge privilege to lead Virgin Australia,” she said. “Today, Virgin Australia is the most reliable airline, the most trusted, and the most loved in the country.”

Virgin Australia entered voluntary administration on 21 April 2020 owing $6.8 billion to creditors including employees, bondholders and customers. Administrators from Deloitte were appointed to manage the sale process, which lead administrator Vaughan Strawbridge described as “one of the most challenging administrations in Australia’s corporate history”.

When US private equity firm Bain Capital formally took control of Virgin Australia seven months later it paved the way for new CEO Jayne Hrdlicka who succeeded Paul Scurrah. The Federal Treasurer recently approved Qatar Airways bid to purchase Bain Capital’s final 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia.