Jayne Hrdlicka To Take Over Virgin Australia as Paul Scurrah Departs

The TWU pulled out of employment negotiations with Bain Capital yesterday, amidst rumours that Jayne Hrdlicka was positioning to take over as CEO of Virgin Australia.

Turns out they were right. Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah announced his resignation today, and Bain Capital announced former Jetstar CEO Jayne Hrdlicka will take over as CEO once the sale to Bain is finalised with Virgin's Administrator, in November.

The TWU has been very vocal over it's opposition to Hrdlicka taking on the CEO role, due to their shared history at Jetstar. 

Hrdlicka made headlines last week for moving to Brisbane from Melbourne, with an exemption to quarantine in her own private residence in Brisbane. It is not suggested Hrdlicka did anything wrong; but was merely the beneficiary of the Queensland government's "inconsistent" approach to border control and exemptions to hotel quarantine.

Meanwhile Paul Scurrah, who has only been with Virgin Australia since March 2019 said  "I have made this decision after some long discussions with my family. The time feels right, and I know the business will be in good hands."

Previously, Scurrah revealed he had reached out to Virgin Australia's founder, Sir Richard Branson, for advice, during the pandemic and administration process. Queensland Times reported:

"He was keen to coach us through," Mr Scurrah said. "Sir Richard was keen to see people treated well, which is part of the Virgin Group's mantra. "He was keen to see us survive."

Scurrah also revealed that on the Friday night after Virgin's creditors endorsed Bain Capital's takeover, he went to his car and found an anonymous note under the wiper blade. It said: "Thanks for your amazing work. We couldn't have got through 2020 without you."

Bain Capital managing director Mike Murphy said, “Paul has provided the leadership to enable Virgin Australia to emerge from voluntary administration as a well-capitalised, best in class carrier. His personal commitment and determination to lead Virgin Australia through such a turbulent period is a credit to him.”