Summary:

•   Jayne Hrdlicka resigns after leading the airline through profitable years, citing the completion of transformative work during challenging periods.
•   The airline prepares for an IPO listing, marking the next phase of its evolution, necessitating new leadership to drive future strategies and growth.
•   Chairman Ryan Cotton acknowledges the timing of Hrdlicka’s departure and underscores the importance of the IPO commitment, as Virgin Australia embarks on a global search for its next CEO.

Virgin Australia CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, has tendered her resignation, marking the end of her tenure of less than four years. Hrdlicka’s departure comes on the heels of the airline’s resurgence to profitability amid turbulent times in the aviation industry.

Under Hrdlicka’s leadership, Virgin Australia navigated the challenging landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a profitable entity for the first time in over a decade. Her strategic vision and adept management steered the airline through unprecedented challenges, solidifying its position in the market.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but the last four years have been heavy lifting across the organization during the toughest of times. I am very proud of what the Virgin Australia team have accomplished together since the depths of administration and the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to guide the team to this point on its journey, and I very much look forward to seeing the continued success of Virgin Australia,” remarked Hrdlicka.

“We are in the midst of the next phase of our transformation program and there is a lot to do and an IPO to deliver. The next phase of this journey is another three to five years, making now the perfect juncture to begin the process of leadership transition to deliver the next few chapters of what I’m sure will be a significant long-term success story,” she added.

Hrdlicka’s departure signifies the commencement of the next phase of Virgin Australia’s transformation, with plans for an initial public offering (IPO) on the horizon. The move towards an IPO listing underscores the carrier’s commitment to sustained growth and development under the stewardship of new leadership.

In an email addressed to Virgin employees, Chairman Ryan Cotton acknowledged the challenges faced by the organization and emphasized the significance of the forward commitment through the IPO and beyond. “While this will feel too early for many of you, it is very understandable given how tough it has been, getting us back in shape through a difficult time in the industry and the forward commitment through IPO [initial public offering] and beyond is significant,” wrote Chairman Cotton.

Virgin Australia, in a statement, expressed gratitude for Hrdlicka’s contributions and announced the commencement of a global search process for a new CEO. “After nearly four years of intensive work and transformation since the dual challenges of Administration and the onset of COVID-19, Jayne has decided that now is the right juncture to ensure that succession is in place to see the company through a future IPO and beyond. The Board of Virgin Australia will shortly commence a global search process for a new CEO,” the statement read.