Toomey boards Jet as CEO!

Jet Airways (India) Limited, today announced a change in the airline’s leadership, with the   appointment of Gary Kenneth Toomey as its new Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment follows the resignation of Nikos Kardassis who left the airline after serving two terms as Chief Executive Officer, initially between 1993 and 1999, and again from October 2009 till May 2013.

Commenting on Kardassis’ departure, Naresh Goyal, Chairman of  Jet Airways said: “Nikos has made a significant contribution to Jet Airways, particularly in the development of our international network, laying the foundations for our future expansion.

I have known Nikos for close to 30 years, over which time we have built a strong personal and professional relationship, and I thank him for his significant contribution to the development of Jet Airways. I wish him every success for the future."

Toomey, 58, an Australian national, an accomplished airline executive with extensive experience at the highest levels of the international, domestic and regional aviation sectors,  has previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Air New Zealand Group and as Chief Executive Officer of Airlines PNG in Papua New Guinea during  their periods of major expansion. Prior to these roles, he was Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Qantas Airways Limited and before that Chief Financial Officer of the domestic carrier Australian Airlines.

Toomey served as a director of Qantas from 1993 to 2000, Fiji’s Air Pacific from 1998 to 2000 and ANZ Bank from 1998 to 2001, and was a member of the Chief Executives' Board of Star Alliance in 2001.

In 1996, while with Qantas, Toomey was named by Global Finance Magazine as one of the world’s Top 25 Chief Financial Officers.

He also managed a private consulting business for 12 years from 2001, providing support to senior management of businesses in the aviation, hospitality, construction and resources industries throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Toomey’s appointment is subject to necessary regulatory approvals including security clearance as may be required. 

Commenting on the appointment, Goyal said: “We need a dynamic executive with deep knowledge of and experience in the airline industry to lead the next phase of our development. Toomey has extensive experience in domestic and international airline management, and the right credentials and skills to take Jet Airways forward.”

Toomey said the Indian aviation market was one of the fastest-growing in the world, offering significant potential for Jet Airways not only within India, but beyond, through new or improved international connections.

“I am delighted to have been selected to lead the Company and continue the development and growth of Jet Airways.”

Capt. Hameed Ali will continue as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Jet Airways, pending regulatory approval of Toomey’s appointment.