Long-standing Qantas director Todd Sampson has announced his departure from the airline’s board.
Mr Sampson will step down on July 31, as the airline nears the conclusion of the fleet renewal process under chairman John Mullen.
The former ad-man first joined the board in 2015.
When he fronted shareholders in 2023, some 36 per cent of votes disapproved of his re-election to the board.
At the time, sceptics raised their doubts the company director and TV personality would survive his next three year term.
The 55-year-old stands on the Remuneration and Audit Committees.
Mr Mullen said the group ‘appreciated’ Mr Sampson’s years on the board, but was inspirited by a ‘refreshed’ board.
‘(Mr Sampson’s) guidance and insights have been deeply appreciated by the Board and executive team during one of the most challenging periods in airline history,’ Mr Mullen said.
Qantas’ Chairman has announced a major shakeup of its ‘refreshed’ board, with five in seven non-executive members having joined in the past two years
‘On behalf of the Board, I’d like to express our gratitude to Todd for his contributions over the past ten years.
‘With a significantly refreshed board and executive team in place, Qantas is in a strong position to deliver for its customers, people and shareholders, and regain its place as one of Australia’s most trusted brands.’
Qantas has appointed former Hewlett Packard CEO Dion Weisler as a non-executive director with immediate effect.
Mr Mullen said bringing in someone with Mr Weisler’s international and technology experience will add to the diverse backgrounds of the other Directors.
‘One of the key actions we committed to following a review of key governance matters last year was continuing to expand the Board’s skillset to add to the depth and breadth of experience required,’ Mr Mullen said.
‘Dion will bring immense value to Qantas as we accelerate our investment in digital improvements across our business while navigating the risks and opportunities posed by AI, cyber threats and increasing global connectivity.’
Shareholders will vote on Mr Weisler’s position on the Board at the Qantas Group 2025 Annual General Meeting on 7 November 2025.
The changes mean five of the seven non-executive members of the group’s board have joined within the past two years.
