Qantas appoints John Mullen as chair to replace Richard Goyder

Qantas has appointed John Mullen as its new chairman to succeed Richard Goyder from July as the airline overhauls its board in an effort to restore its bruised reputation.

Mullen, who also chairs the boards of pallet supplier Brambles and Penfolds maker Treasury Wine Estates and helmed the Telstra board until late last year, flagged he would likely step down from his other commitments in light of the demands of Qantas.

“I am conscious of the time commitment that this prestigious role requires and will be adjusting my other professional obligations, so I can be fully focused on this exciting challenge,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Goyder was heavily criticised towards the end of his seven-year tenure at Qantas for having too many other commitments. The former Wesfarmers boss is also chair of the Australian Football League and energy giant Woodside.

He said on Wednesday Mullen’s appointment marked a new chapter for the embattled airline, which has suffered from a public fall from grace since a series of scandals in the second half of last year.

“Careful management of the board renewal progress has been an important part of guiding Qantas through this intense period, and the selection of a new chair reflects this new chapter,” Goyder said.

Qantas has also appointed Nora Scheinkestel – already a director at Westpac, Brambles and Origin Energy – to the board to lead its remuneration committee. Mullen and Scheinkestel will replace outgoing board members Jaqueline Hey and Maxine Brenner.

More to come.