Virgin Blue appoints Andrew David as Chief Operations Officer

Virgin Blue has appointed Andrew David to the role of Chief Operations Officer, allowing Virgin Blue co-founder Rob Sherrard to concentrate exclusively on his role as Deputy CEO.

Mr David will oversee Virgin Blue’s flight operations, ground services, engineering, safety systems and Guest services. He will start at Virgin Blue in early to mid 2005.

Mr David, aged 43, was until recently General Manager Pacific Airline for Air New Zealand. In this role, he was responsible for Air New Zealand’s A320 and 737 operations covering the NZ Domestic, Tasman and Pacific Island markets.

“I am delighted Andrew David will be joining Virgin Blue. Andrew brings considerable commercial and operational experience and - importantly - a deep understanding of the aviation business. Andrew has played a key role in the turnaround of Air New Zealand. He will be a tremendous asset to the Virgin Blue executive team,” Mr Godfrey said.

Mr David’s appointment will allow Virgin Blue Deputy CEO, and co-founder, Rob Sherrard to focus exclusively on contributing to Virgin Blue’s continued growth through his involvement in a number of new opportunities currently being looked at by the company. Mr Sherrard has been heading Virgin Blue’s operations for the past five and a half years.

“On a personal note, I am delighted Rob Sherrard will continue as Deputy CEO for Virgin Blue. He will be focused on developing new business and strategic opportunities for Virgin Blue, its related organisations and shareholders. Rob will continue both his roles until Andrew David takes up the Chief Operations Officer position next year,” Brett Godfrey said.

Mr David has spent more than 13 years in a variety of senior executive roles at Air New Zealand including Vice President Group Strategy & Planning, Chief Information Officer and Operations Business Performance Manager. Mr David has held previous international strategic and consulting roles with organisations including Shell Oil, British Airways, IBM and NatWest Bank.

Andrew David and family will be relocating to Australia. Andrew holds an MBA from Auckland University.

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