Mr Mullen, a former chair for Telstra, will join the board from July 1 as non-executive director and chairman elect, and will assume the role of chairman ahead of the company’s annual general meeting in October.

Dr Nora Scheinkestel will also join the board from 1 March 2024, as a non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee.

Mr Goyder said the changes “reflect a new chapter” after an “intense period” for the airline which led to the early resignation of former CEO Alan Joyce and his own decision to stand down.

“John brings a wealth of experience as a director and chairman of similarly large and complex companies to Qantas, as well as great depth from his long executive career in the transport sector both here and overseas,” Mr Goyder said in a statement.

“He is the right choice to lead the national carrier into its next phase.”

More to come