Brisbane, 9 June 2021: Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer Jayne Hrdlicka today announced the appointment of Dave Emerson as the company’s Chief Commercial Officer. Mr Emerson will join the airline’s Executive Leadership Team who are overseeing the business transformation.

Mr Emerson is currently a Senior Partner at the consulting firm Bain and Company and has been working with Virgin Australia since last year, leading many initiatives across the airline. 

Prior to his recent work with Virgin Australia, Mr Emerson led Bain and Company’s global airlines practice, and has more than 25 years of experience in the aviation and tourism industries. 

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said that Mr Emerson is an internationally recognised expert in the aviation industry and will be a valuable addition to the airline’s leadership. 

“Dave has earned an international reputation for excellence while advising dozens of major airlines in all major geographies globally, and I am delighted he will be joining our Executive Leadership Team,” Ms Hrdlicka said. 

Mr Emerson will set and oversee Virgin Australia’s commercial strategy, including our revenue management, sales, distribution and marketing. He will commence his role with Virgin Australia effective immediately and will be based in Brisbane. 

Mr Emerson will replace Virgin Australia’s current Chief Commercial Officer, John MacLeod who announced his retirement at the start of the year. 

Ms Hrdlicka said that Mr MacLeod has made an important contribution to Virgin Australia and to the global airline industry throughout his career in aviation. 

“On behalf of the entire Virgin Australia team, I want to sincerely thank John for the important role he has played and all that he has achieved, and wish him all the best in his retirement,” Ms Hrdlicka said. 

The Virgin Australia Group leadership team:  

• Jayne Hrdlicka, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director  
• Stuart Aggs, Chief Operations Officer  
• Lisa Burquest, Chief People Officer   
• Alistair Hartley, Chief Transformation Officer   
• Paul Jones, Chief Customer and Digital Officer 
• David Marr, Chief Financial Officer  
• Nick Rohrlach, CEO Velocity 
• Susan Schneider, Chief Legal and Risk Officer  
• Moksha Watts, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer  
• Dave Emerson, Chief Commercial Officer