Qantas Airways has experienced yet another departure in its leadership team, with the resignation of Olivia Wirth, head of the airline’s loyalty division. Wirth, who has been with Qantas for 14 years, will be leaving the company in February. She has been leading Qantas’s frequent flyer program since 2018.
Under Wirth’s leadership, the frequent flyer program has seen significant expansion, resulting in a notable increase in members and their engagement levels. Vanessa Hudson, Qantas’s Chief Executive, praised Wirth for her contributions, stating, “She drove huge expansion of what the program offers and that shows in the growth in members and their engagement levels.”
Media reports have previously suggested that Wirth was a strong contender for the CEO position that Hudson now holds. Hudson was promoted from her role as Chief Financial Officer to replace Alan Joyce, who retired in September, ahead of schedule, amidst controversy surrounding allegations of Qantas selling tickets for flights that had already been canceled.
In addition to the departure of Olivia Wirth, Qantas has recently witnessed the resignations of Chairman Richard Goyder and several other board members. These changes in leadership come as the company aims to restore its reputation following recent challenges.
To fill the gap left by Wirth’s resignation, Qantas has appointed Catherine Walsh to the newly created role of Chief People Officer. Walsh brings extensive leadership experience, previously holding a prominent position at PWC.
