Jacqui Abbott is set to join Qantas Group in a new senior communications role, Mediaweek can reveal.
From Monday 20 May, the former Foxtel exec will take on the title of executive manager, corporate affairs and internal communications.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the aviation industry and to be joining the team at Qantas, in particular, to be working again with Danielle Keighery after our time at Virgin together,” Abbott told Mediaweek.
Abbott worked with Keighery at Virgin from 2012 to 2015 as senior public affairs manager. Kieghery joined Qantas as chief corporate affairs and communications officer in January, making the move right before she was due to start a role at Optus. Her resume includes running corporate affairs for Crown Resorts and a 17-year stint at Virgin Australia.
Abbott left her previous role as executive director – group communications, Foxtel Group, in March after announcing her intention to move on form the company in December. Her tenure with the company ended after overseeing the launch of Hubbl.
In December, Foxtel Group chief executive Patrick Delany sent a memo to staff thanking Abbott for her “three incredible years with the business.”
“Jacqui has decided it is time to spend some more time with her two young kids, go travelling, and then pursue new career opportunities.”
Adrian Christie replaced Abbott, joining Foxtel in March from Aldi, where he was communications director.
See Also: Musical chairs in PR world: Foxtel team changes with new exec director communications
Earlier this month, Qantas agreed to a $100 million penalty for misleading consumers by advertising and selling tens of thousands of flights it had already decided to cancel.
The ACCC commenced court proceedings against the airline last year, which Qantas originally defended, but last week, the parties agreed to ask the federal court to impose the $100 million penalty. Qantas also agreed to pay $20 million to affected consumers.
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Top Image: Jacqui Abbott