Doug Parker, former American Airlines CEO and Chairman is set to join the Qantas Board as long-serving Qantas Director Michael L’Estrange AO will retire from the Board at the expiry of his current term in November 2023.
The change would help maintain the depth and breadth of experience on the Board, as the Group entered the next phase in its history explains Qantas Chairman Richard Goyder.
Speaking on Parker’s appointment, Goyder said: ““There are few people with as much experience running airlines as Doug. He’s spent more than two decades as an airline CEO in North America, including eight years heading up the world’s largest airline. The knowledge and perspective he’ll bring to the Board will be a huge asset as we grow in the years ahead.”
In spite of being the CEO of American Airlines, Parker’s relation with Qantas expanded significantly with the two-airlines coming together to form a joint business.
Speaking on his appointment, Parker said: “Qantas has always been one of the world’s great airlines and it has clearly come through the pandemic in a very strong position. I’m honoured to be joining the board at a time when there is a lot of momentum and I look forward to doing what I can to support that.”