New chairman as Qantas changes corporate direction

Qantas has a new chairman and a new board member as it moves past the Alan Joyce era at a fast pace. 

 
John Mullen will join the Qantas board from July 1 as non-executive director and chairman elect, and will assume the role of chairman ahead of the company’s AGM this October.

Mullen replaces Richard Goyder, who has stood down. The controversial Goyder was a supporter of the divisive Joyce, who was replaced as CEO by Vanessa Hudson late last year. 

Dr Nora Scheinkestel will also join the board from March 1, as a non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee.

Mullen, currently the chairman of Telstra among several executive roles, o expects to reduce his existing professional commitments over time, the airline said in a statement. 

The new appointments follow the retirement of directors Maxine Brenner and Jacqueline Hey, who will step down this week, and the retirement of Goyder prior to the AGM.

“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," Goyder said.

“Vanessa Hudson and her team have made progress towards delivering better outcomes for customers, and I’m confident that momentum will continue with the guidance of new board members of such high calibre.

“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."

Mullen, who has lived and worked in 13 countries, says he has "a passion for entrepreneurship", 

“It’s an extraordinary privilege to take up the chairmanship of the national carrier," he said. "It is a company that I have admired all my life and I am greatly looking forward to helping Vanessa and the management team take the company to new heights of service and performance excellence.

“I am conscious of the time commitment that this prestigious role requires and will be adjusting my other professional obligations to ensure that I can be fully focussed on this exciting challenge."

Chairman Goyder heads for the exit door at Qantas

After overseeing declining standards of service and reputation, Qantas chair Richard Goyder is on the way out.

But did he jump, or was he pushed?

Goyder, a backer on controversial former CEO Alan Joyce at the Australian national carrier, last month dismissed calls to step down during grillings before the Australian Senate.

But this morning a Qantas press release announced his departure ahead of schedule. This followed the share price dropping over 25% in recent months. 

The release did not sound good for under-siege Goyder, saying: "The Qantas Board today announces plans for board renewal in recognition of the reputational issues facing the Group and to support restoration of trust in the company.

"Chairman Richard Goyder will retire prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in late 2024."

It listed other changes, including non-executive director Michael L’Estrange, Jacqueline Hey and Maxine Brenner retiring in February 2024 after 10 years of service.

"As planned, three new directors will offer themselves for election at this year’s AGM (Doug Parker, Dr Heather Smith, and CEO and managing director Vanessa Hudson) as well as two existing directors (Todd Sampson and Belinda Hutchinson)." the statement said.

“As a Board, we acknowledge the significant reputational and customer service issues facing the Group and recognise that accountability is required to restore trust," Goyder said.

“Qantas has gone through an incredibly difficult period since our operation was grounded during the pandemic. The recovery has not been easy, and mistakes were made. We again apologise for those times where we got it wrong.

“I have always sought to act in the best interests of Qantas. Measured and orderly succession at board level will support the important work underway led by Vanessa and her new management team.

"Fundamentally, the Group is in a very strong position to overcome its current challenges and deliver for all its stakeholders in the years ahead.”

Goyder, who adopts a "superior", arrogant tone, also has chairman roles with the AFL and Woodside Energy.