Virgin Australia has named Dave Emerson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Emerson’s promotion follows a global search for the right leader to take Virgin Australia into its next growth phase. Chairman Ryan Cotton confirmed that after an extensive process, Emerson emerged as the best candidate to continue the airline’s strategic evolution.
“After a global search, it was clear that Dave is the right leader to continue the implementation of Virgin Australia’s strategy,” Cotton said. “We are confident that Dave will not miss a beat in leading continued strong performance and growth across our business”, said Cotton.
Emerson Brings Extensive Aviation & Business Transformation Expertise
With over 25 years of experience in the aviation and tourism sectors, Emerson is a seasoned industry leader known for driving business transformation and strong financial results. His career includes time at America West Airlines, as well as serving as a senior partner at Bain & Company, where he played a key role in Virgin Australia’s restructuring. Since joining the airline in June 2021, Emerson has been instrumental in repositioning Virgin Australia as a customer-focused airline, balancing value and choice. His leadership helped steer the carrier through a post-pandemic recovery, setting it on a path of renewed profitability and growth.
Virgin Australia’s Next Chapter: Expansion & New International Routes
Emerson takes the helm at a pivotal moment for Virgin Australia. The airline is gearing up for long-haul international expansion, following the recent sale of Bain Capital’s remaining 25% stake to Qatar Airways. Expressing his excitement for the role, Emerson emphasized the team-driven approach that has defined Virgin Australia’s culture.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead Virgin Australia and its 8,000-strong team into the next exciting phase of our journey,” Emerson said. “We exist for our customers, but it is our people who are the heart of this organisation” said Emerson.