Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has announced that Chief Customer and Digital Officer Catriona Larritt will leave the airline at the end of the year to “pursue external opportunities,” marking the first major executive change since Hudson took the helm in early 2024. Larritt, who has spent over a decade with the Qantas Group in various roles, was promoted to her current position from executive manager of Qantas Freight during Hudson’s initial leadership overhaul following the departure of former CEO Alan Joyce. In an employee memo, Hudson praised Larritt’s “significant contribution to the group” and extended best wishes for her future endeavors. The departure triggers an immediate restructuring of responsibilities within the executive team, with a search for Larritt’s replacement to begin both internally and externally. Hudson described the changes as an opportunity to “reallocate some areas currently under the customer and technology portfolios to ensure we are set up for success.In the first instance, corporate affairs chief Danielle Keighery will take responsibility for brand and marketing, with chief marketing officer Petra Perry and team to report to her. “Combining these two key interrelated areas will help accelerate the progress we are making to recover our brand and reputation and capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead including Project Sunrise,” Ms Hudson said. “This change is effective immediately.” Project Sunrise refers to Qantas’ ultra-long-haul flights, such as non-stop services from Sydney to London and New York.In a transition set to complete over the coming month, Chief Risk Officer Andrew Monaghan will take on cyber security responsibilities. “Bringing cyber security and risk together will further strengthen governance in this critical area,” Hudson added. Other functions under Larritt’s role will remain unchanged for now.The announcement comes as Qantas grapples with the aftermath of a major cyber security breach earlier this year. Hackers stole personal details of 5.7 million customers from a database linked to the airline’s Manila call centre, including names, addresses, birthdates, phone numbers, email addresses, and frequent flyer information. The data was published on the dark web this month after Qantas refused ransom demands.In response, the Qantas board imposed a 15 per cent cut to executives’ short-term bonuses, totaling $800,000. The airline has secured a permanent injunction barring third parties, including media outlets, from releasing or publishing the stolen data. Beyond Qantas, Larritt serves as a director of the Essendon Football Club and a board member of Australian Athletics.Hudson assured employees that updates on the recruitment process would follow once finalized. The reshuffle underscores ongoing efforts to rebuild trust and operational resilience at Australia’s flag carrier following a turbulent period of reputational challenges.