Will Become Executive General Manager, Engineering at Qantas Airways

Qantas Airlines announced Friday that is has concluded its executive search with the appointment of Chris Nassenstein as Executive General Manager of Engineering at Qantas.

Nassenstein had most recently been with Air New Zealand.

"Today's challenging airline environment - for both full-service airlines and low cost carriers - presents a world-class airline like Qantas with unique opportunities for strategic realignment at the customer interface and internally. The engineering and technical operations function is one of the key internal cogs that will drive Qantas' future success," said Dr Boyd Falconer, a member of the Korn/Ferry International's Global Aviation and Aerospace Group. The company conducted the search for Qantas.

"Our team was honored to serve Qantas by drawing on our unmatched industry expertise and global network. It was a privilege for my Sydney colleague Tim Flay and I to work with the airline's leadership to assess and select a candidate with global experience, strong leadership abilities and the technical acumen to move Qantas' engineering and maintenance strategy forward."

Qantas operations group executive Lyell Strambi said, "Mr. Nassenstein's appointment represents a rare opportunity for the airline to bring external experience and a global perspective to the position and Qantas' engineering operations."

Mr Nassenstein previously held senior engineering posts at Air Canada, Air Transat, Lan Chile and Canadian Airlines. Chris will be based in Sydney, Australia and commences his new role in February.

FMI: www.qantas.com