Qantas Airways has confirmed that its Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Catriona Larritt, will leave her position by the end of December. The decision comes months after the airline faced a major cyber breach that compromised data from millions of customers.
Leadership Transition Following Cybersecurity Breach
An internal memo to staff, viewed by Reuters, announced Larritt’s upcoming departure. CEO Vanessa Hudson stated that Catriona Larritt would leave the airline “to pursue external opportunities.” Catriona Larritt joined Qantas in 2015 and was appointed to her current role in September 2023, where she oversaw customer experience, marketing, brand, and digital operations.
Following Catriona Larritt’s exit, corporate affairs chief Danielle Keighery will take over brand and marketing responsibilities. The airline’s chief risk officer, Andrew Monaghan, will assume oversight of cybersecurity. This reshuffling marks one of several organizational adjustments Qantas has made since the June cyber incident.
The airline emphasized that its focus remains on strengthening its data protection systems and ensuring a secure digital environment for its customers.
The June Cyber Incident and Its Aftermath
On July 2, Qantas reported to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) that a “significant” amount of customer data had been compromised due to a cyberattack. The breach affected a call centre platform on June 30, exposing personal data from as many as six million customer records.
While Qantas stated that no financial or travel data had been misused, the event remains one of the largest cyber incidents involving an Australian airline in recent years. It also triggered widespread reviews of data security systems and supplier protocols across the aviation industry.
In September, Qantas announced that CEO Vanessa Hudson and the executive management team had their 2024–25 short-term bonuses cut in response to the breach, describing the move as a recognition of the “seriousness” of the incident. The company reaffirmed its commitment to restoring customer confidence and enhancing digital resilience.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure and Customer Trust
Catriona Larritt’s tenure included efforts to modernize Qantas’ digital systems and improve customer experience across both web and app platforms. Under her leadership, the airline advanced projects integrating artificial intelligence, automation, and enhanced personalization tools.
However, the cyber incident underscored the growing risks faced by companies that manage vast amounts of customer data. Following the breach, Qantas accelerated its cybersecurity initiatives — focusing on encryption upgrades, vendor risk assessments, and cloud infrastructure security.
Industry analysts have noted that Qantas’ recent leadership changes align with broader trends among global airlines seeking to integrate cybersecurity more directly within executive oversight. With Monaghan now supervising digital protection, the airline aims to ensure closer coordination between risk management and technology operations.
Qantas continues to collaborate with cybersecurity experts and regulatory agencies to investigate the source of the breach and prevent similar incidents. The airline has also launched communication campaigns to guide affected customers on how to secure their personal information.
Focus on Long-Term Resilience
As Qantas prepares for a leadership handover by Catriona Larritt’s exit, the airline’s primary focus remains on resilience, data protection, and customer transparency. The company has stated that its long-term goal is to build a stronger, safer digital ecosystem capable of withstanding evolving cyber threats.
While Catriona Larritt’s departure marks a significant change in Qantas’ executive structure, the airline says it remains confident in its digital recovery strategy and its ability to maintain trust with travelers.
