Alan Joyce (businessman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alan Joyce
AC FTSE
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Joyce in 2014
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| Born | 30 June 1966 (age 58) |
| Nationality | Irish-Australian |
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| Occupation |
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| Organisation | Qantas |
| Spouse(s) |
Shane Lloyd
(m. 2019) |
Alan Joseph Joyce (born on June 30, 1966) is an Irish-Australian businessman. He was the main boss, called the chief executive officer (CEO), of Qantas Airways Limited. He held this important job from 2008 until he stepped down on September 5, 2023.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Alan Joyce grew up in Tallaght, which is now a part of Dublin, Ireland. His mother worked as a cleaner, and his father worked in a tobacco factory. Alan went to St Mark's Community School in Tallaght for his high school education.
He then went to college at the Dublin Institute of Technology and Trinity College Dublin. He studied physics and mathematics, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He also got a Master of Science degree in Management Science. He is also a special member of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
His Career Journey
Starting Out in Aviation
In 1988, Alan Joyce began his career at Aer Lingus. This is the main airline of Ireland. He worked in many different areas, like sales, marketing, and planning flights. In 1996, he left Aer Lingus to join Ansett Australia. Later, in 2000, he joined Qantas. At both airlines, he was in charge of planning flight routes and schedules. In October 2003, Alan became the CEO of Jetstar Airways. Jetstar is a part of the Qantas group.
Leading Qantas
Alan Joyce became the CEO of Qantas on November 28, 2008. He took over from Geoff Dixon.
Focus on Safety
Around 2010, there were questions about airline safety. Alan Joyce was asked to speak about safety at Jetstar. He clearly stated that safety was the most important thing at Jetstar and Qantas. He said that a budget airline model does not mean less safety. He promised that Qantas and Jetstar always put safety first.
Some news reports talked about plans to train co-pilots faster. However, the aviation safety authority said there was no proof that this would make flying less safe.
Challenging Times at Qantas
In October 2011, Qantas faced some problems with its workers. Because of these issues, Alan Joyce made a big decision. He stopped all Qantas flights for a short time. This was to help solve the problems.
This action made many people talk about Qantas. Some people praised Alan Joyce, calling him a very important business leader. But others felt that the airline's image was hurt. At this time, his pay increased. Some pilot groups thought his comments about his salary were not fair.
Changes and Growth
Later, in 2016-2017, Qantas made some big changes. The airline worked to cut costs. During this time, Alan Joyce's total pay package increased.
The Pie Incident
On May 9, 2017, something unusual happened. Alan Joyce was giving a speech in Perth. A man named Tony Overheu pushed a lemon meringue pie into his face. The man later said he was sorry for embarrassing Alan. He claimed he did it because he disagreed with Alan's support for marriage equality. The man was later found guilty of some charges.
Later Years and Stepping Down
In May 2019, Alan Joyce agreed to stay as Qantas CEO for three more years. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, he gave up his salary for a while. In May 2023, he announced he would leave his role in November. Vanessa Hudson, who was the company's chief financial officer, was named as his replacement.
However, in September 2023, news came out that Qantas might have sold tickets for flights that were already cancelled. This led to a lot of criticism. Alan Joyce decided to step down early, on September 5, 2023. Vanessa Hudson became the new CEO the very next day. In January 2024, Alan also left his role at the Sydney Theatre company.
Awards and Recognitions
- In 2011, The Australian newspaper said Alan Joyce was the most important business leader.
- In 2012, he became a special member of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.
- Alan Joyce helps the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF). This group supports education for Indigenous Australians.
- In 2017, he received Australia's highest civil honor. He was named a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This award was for his great work in aviation and tourism. It also recognized his efforts for fairness, inclusion, and supporting Indigenous education.
His Personal Life
Alan Joyce is Catholic. In 2015, he joined the Australian Republic Movement. This group believes Australia should become a republic with an Australian head of state.
In 2011, he had treatment for prostate cancer and got better.
Alan Joyce married his long-time partner, Shane Lloyd, on November 2, 2019. Their wedding was held in Sydney. The couple lives in the Rocks, a suburb of Sydney.
Supporting Fairness and Inclusion
Alan Joyce has openly supported the LGBTI community. He even gave $1 million to help the campaign for same-sex marriage in Australia. This helped make it possible for him to marry his partner. He also supports the Pinnacle Foundation. This group helps young LGBT Australians who face challenges. Because of his work, he has been recognized globally as a leading LGBT executive. As Qantas CEO, he promised that Qantas would keep working for social fairness.
Images for kids
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Joyce in 2014
See also
- 2011 industrial unrest and grounding of fleet
- 2011 Qantas industrial disputes
- List of Dublin Institute of Technology people
