News
Virgin Australia rules out Paul Jones as CEO contender
February 10th 2025
Virgin Australia (VA) has confirmed its chief customer officer, Paul Jones, is no longer a candidate to succeed CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. Read More » Jones had been considered the frontrunner for the top job at VA ahead of two other internal candidates. However, his potential promotion was strongly opposed by the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) because of his role in the illegal sackings of baggage handlers when he worked at rival Qantas Airways. Australia’s minister for employment, Murray Watt, said the airline should carefully consider the appointment of its next CEO. “Most Australians would like to see Virgin choose a CEO who has a demonstrated record of putting their workers and the public first,” Watt said in response to a question. VA is waiting for a decision from the government on a Qatar Airways proposal to acquire 25% of the airline.
