Virgin Australia has officially named Dave Emerson as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Friday, March 14, 2025. Emerson will replace Jayne Hrdlicka, who announced a year ago that she would step down from the role after overseeing a remarkable transformation of the airline.
Emerson, who has served as Virgin Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer since 2021, is set to continue the airline’s strategic journey of growth and innovation. Hrdlicka will remain with the company for several months to assist with the leadership transition.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
In his statement following the announcement, Emerson highlighted that he will continue the work started under Hrdlicka’s leadership, focusing on the airline’s ongoing transformation. “I will continue the transformation journey begun under Jayne’s outstanding leadership,” Emerson said. “The strategy we set as we emerged from administration several years ago is now paying off. As we return to long-haul international flying and innovate our domestic services, we can open greater choice and even better value travel experiences for our customers.”
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The new CEO emphasized the importance of creating new opportunities not only for Virgin Australia’s customers but also for its team members. His leadership will also focus on rewarding customer loyalty through new and improved services.
A Smooth Transition and Continued Growth
Hrdlicka, who led the airline through a tumultuous period, expressed confidence in Emerson’s ability to lead Virgin Australia into its next chapter. “Dave is an excellent choice to succeed me as CEO,” Hrdlicka said. “He has proven himself as a strong leader and has been a key contributor to Virgin Australia’s successful transformation journey.”
She added, “His breadth of experience will be invaluable to the company and he brings the added advantage of being part of the team that created our blueprint for continued improvement in both profitability and growth.”
Hrdlicka’s departure marks the end of an era for the airline, as she played a central role in guiding Virgin Australia through its restructuring following its acquisition by US private equity firm Bain Capital in 2020. Her leadership helped stabilize the airline during a challenging time, with the company recovering from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Return of Long-Haul International Flights
Under Hrdlicka’s leadership, Virgin Australia successfully navigated through a difficult period and is now poised to expand its network once again. The airline is set to return to long-haul international flights, which were temporarily suspended during the pandemic. Virgin Australia is also making strides in the domestic market, where it has been introducing innovative services and expanding its route network.
One key development is the partnership with Qatar Airways, which recently acquired a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. The agreement will allow the airline to lease planes and staff from Qatar Airways, enabling Virgin to compete on key routes between Australia and Doha, starting in June 2025.
Dave Emerson’s Background and Experience
Emerson brings a wealth of experience to his new role as CEO. Before joining Virgin Australia, he was a senior partner at Bain & Company, the consultancy firm closely associated with Bain Capital. Emerson moved from Texas to Brisbane to take on the role of Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Australia in 2021.
Virgin Australia’s chair, Ryan Cotton, explained that Emerson’s selection followed a global search for the right candidate. “Having had the opportunity to work with Dave over the last four years, we recognize his unique breadth of commercial, digital, and customer experience, plus his deep knowledge of Australian aviation,” Cotton said. “He is well-placed to support the strong momentum of the business and ensure the team continues to go from strength to strength.”
Cotton also acknowledged Emerson’s crucial role in shaping the airline’s plans for growth and transformation, saying that Emerson’s leadership will continue to focus on customer and team development.
Farewell to Jayne Hrdlicka: A Legacy of Leadership
Jayne Hrdlicka’s departure comes after an intense period of leadership, during which she faced numerous personal and professional challenges. Reflecting on her time as CEO, Hrdlicka described the past four and a half years as one of the most rewarding experiences of her career. “It was also one of the most intense and challenging periods you can imagine,” she said in an interview at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Brisbane.
Hrdlicka’s tenure as CEO was marked by several major milestones, including steering Virgin Australia through its administration and subsequent recovery. Under her guidance, the airline managed to restore profitability and expand its network, positioning Virgin Australia for long-term success.
However, Hrdlicka also faced difficult personal challenges during her time at the helm, including the loss of her husband to cancer and the passing of her father. Despite these hardships, Hrdlicka remained dedicated to the airline’s recovery, which she described as “purposeful” work.
What’s Next for Jayne Hrdlicka?
Hrdlicka is now looking forward to a well-deserved break before deciding what to do next. “Given the circumstances over the past several years, I really need to spend more time with my boys. They are 17 and 19, and anyone who has teenagers knows they need you on tap,” Hrdlicka said. She added that she hadn’t been able to spend as much time with her children as she would have liked due to her professional commitments.
Beyond family, Hrdlicka has a passion for tennis and has indicated that she plans to focus on issues within the sport, including some significant global challenges. “We have some big issues there globally that we need to address, and then we’ll see. That is both exciting and daunting because it’s a journey of possibilities,” she said.
Hrdlicka, who is also the chair of Tennis Australia, is looking forward to using her expertise and energy to contribute to the sport in the future.
Virgin Australia’s Future Under New Leadership
As Virgin Australia moves forward under Dave Emerson’s leadership, the airline is well-positioned for continued growth and success. The company’s transformation strategy, initiated during Hrdlicka’s tenure, has laid a solid foundation for the future. With new leadership in place, Virgin Australia can continue to evolve, innovate, and compete in an increasingly competitive aviation market.
As the airline re-enters the long-haul international market and explores new opportunities with its partnership with Qatar Airways, customers can expect even more travel options and rewards. Virgin Australia’s continued commitment to customer experience and operational excellence will be a focal point of Emerson’s leadership, ensuring that the airline remains a strong competitor in both the domestic and international travel sectors.
In conclusion, while Jayne Hrdlicka’s departure marks the end of an era, Dave Emerson’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Virgin Australia. The airline’s transformation journey is far from over, and under Emerson’s guidance, Virgin Australia is poised for a future filled with growth, innovation, and success.
