Qantas gets a new CIO after Paul Jones is promoted

Qantas CIO, Paul Jones, has been promoted to executive manager of strategy and planning for Qantas Domestic as part of a series of internal staff changes. The airline’s former chief technology officer Luc Hennekens is the new CIO.

Jones is replacing Vanessa Hudson, who now becomes Qantas’ senior executive vice-president for the Americas, based in Los Angeles. According to a company spokesperson, Jones’ promotion reflects his strong performance record since joining Qantas in 2011.

Jones joined Qantas in 2011 from Mars confectionery company, where he was IT head for its global chocolate division. During his two-and-a-half year tenure, he was responsible for launching Qantas IT’s transformation program to improve customer service, reduce costs and align IT with broader Qantas Group strategy.

Customer-facing innovations included improved check-in services, trialling Q Streaming technology and new iPads for hire across its Jetstar fleet, and wireless Internet connectivity on-board select Airbus A380 flights. Internally, improvements have ranged from the implementation of cloud-based data management to BYOD programs, and upgrading maintenance systems for all aircraft types using iPads.

Hennekens joined Qantas in January from Contact Energy in New Zealand, where he was CIO for five years. His resume also includes client services with HP Enterprise, as well as various roles at Procter and Gamble includes manager of financial and account systems Asia, and manager of global innovation.

“Under Luc, Qantas IT will continue to focus on delivering its existing strategy,” the spokesperson said. A search for a new CTO is now underway.

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