Alan Joyce

Alan Joyce is best known for his 15-year tenure as CEO of Qantas Airways (2008–2023), where he steered the airline through some of its most turbulent and transformative chapters. From the global financial crisis and the 2011 industrial dispute to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alan’s strategic vision and resilience positioned Qantas as one of the world’s most profitable and respected airlines.

Among his many achievements, Alan spearheaded the successful launch of Jetstar Airways as its founding CEO, transforming it into one of the world’s leading low-cost carriers. He also turned Qantas Loyalty into a dominant and highly profitable business unit, championed sustainability with Qantas committing to carbon neutrality by 2050 and led groundbreaking innovation in long-haul travel through the ambitious Project Sunrise.

Alan has served on some of the aviation industry’s most influential boards, including 12 years with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), one term as its Chairman, and 15 years with the oneworld alliance, three of those as Chairman. He also contributed to the wider business community as a director of the Business Council of Australia for nearly a decade.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Alan studied Applied Science at Dublin Institute of Technology and Management Science at Trinity College Dublin before beginning his aviation career at Aer Lingus. After moving to Australia in 1996, he joined Ansett and later Qantas, where his rapid rise saw him appointed CEO of Jetstar in 2003, and ultimately CEO of Qantas five years later.

A Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Alan is widely respected not only for his business leadership but also for his strong advocacy of diversity, equality and inclusion. As one of the first openly gay CEOs, he played a pivotal role in the Australian Marriage Equality campaign and has been a vocal champion for gender equality, Indigenous rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion in business.

Known for his warmth and natural Irish storytelling, Alan is a compelling keynote speaker who combines wisdom, humour and candid insights. Whether on stage at global conferences or in boardroom discussions, he connects with audiences through powerful stories drawn from decades at the top of the aviation industry.

Alan is writing a book, due for publication in 2026.