SYDNEY, Australia --
Qantas Airways said Monday it has appointed the head of its offshoot airline Jetstar, Alan Joyce, as chief executive officer.
Joyce will replace Geoff Dixon, who plans to retire after the company's annual meeting on Nov. 28, the airline said in a statement.
Joyce assumed the role of chief executive designate on Monday and will work with Dixon over the next four months to ensure a smooth transition, Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford said.
"Alan is, we believe, the best person to take Qantas forward in what is a very challenging environment," Clifford said in the statement.
Dixon, who was appointed chief executive in 2000, will remain available as a consultant to the airline until March 31. Clifford praised Dixon, saying he had led Qantas through numerous challenges.
Joyce has been with the Qantas group since 2000 and worked in senior management roles for defunct domestic carrier Ansett and Ireland's Aer Lingus.
