QANTAS NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE STRUCTURE

Qantas today announced a new Executive Group structure for the airline.

Geoff Dixon will become Chief Executive Officer on 5 March when James Strong steps down after serving as Chief Executive and Managing Director since October 1993.

Mr Dixon said he had selected a team of specialists with a depth of airline, finance and commercial experience, well qualified to meet the challenges that were confronting Qantas at present and in the future.

"The structure addresses the range of business priorities facing the airline as well as providing increased transparency and co-ordination across all major functions and businesses and ensuring that Qantas remains lean and focussed," he said.

Direct reports to Mr Dixon will include Chief Financial Officer, Peter Gregg, and seven Executive General Managers, each with specified areas of responsibilities.

They are: John Borghetti (Sales and Distribution), Denis Adams (Marketing), Paul Edwards (Network Management), Steve Mann (Customer Services), David Forsyth (Aircraft Operations), Narendra Kumar (Subsidiary Businesses) and David Burden (Technology and Services).

Specialist areas reporting to the office of the CEO include Group General Manager Public Affairs, headed by former Sydney Morning Herald journalist, Michael Sharp; Group General Manager Government Affairs, David Hawes and General Counsel and Company Secretary, Brett Johnson.