Qantas is preparing for a significant shake-up within its executive ranks, with a round of corporate job cuts expected to follow a fresh restructuring of the airline’s leadership teams. Staff were informed of the changes in an internal email, which noted that several key divisions will undergo adjustments in the coming days.
While speculation on corporate forums suggested that as many as 400 executives could be facing redundancy before Christmas, the airline has indicated the final number will be “significantly lower.” Operational staff are not expected to be affected, with the restructure focused solely on corporate and leadership functions.
As part of the changes, several senior leaders will expand their portfolios. Qantas Loyalty chief Andrew Glance will now oversee group customer strategy and insights in addition to his loyalty responsibilities. Cam Wallace, who leads Qantas International and Freight, will take charge of the airline’s in-flight and on-ground customer experience, including lounges.
Domestic chief Markus Svensson will assume responsibility for customer care and recovery, an area that includes contact centre operations and coordination with frontline teams. QantasLink head Rachel Yangoyan is set to move into a newly defined role as chief technology, AI and transformation officer following the departure of Catriona Larritt. Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully will continue in her current role.
The timing of the reshuffle is delicate for Qantas, which is still trying to rebuild public confidence after months of scrutiny, frustrated customers and several high-profile leadership changes. The airline has positioned the latest changes as part of a broader push to simplify how decisions are made and sharpen its overall customer strategy.
More information about which roles will be affected, along with updates to individual team structures, is expected to be shared with staff over the coming week.
Qantas flags leadership overhaul as corporate job cuts loom ahead of Christmas
