By Rishav Chatterjee
(Reuters) -The chairman of Australia's Qantas Airways, Richard Goyder, will leave the flag carrier in late 2024, the company said, as the embattled airline looks to rebuild its tarnished reputation.
The departure comes amid growing calls from a number of unhappy investors for Goyder's resignation, as the company is beset with both legal and regulatory actions.
Goyder, who became chairman in 2018, in a parliamentary hearing last month fought against pressure to resign, including from the airline's pilots, saying that he had followed "high ethics" throughout his career.
Goyder had indicated support from the company's biggest shareholders in his appearance in front of the committee.
Qantas has been facing challenges in recent times, with the High Court of Australia in September dismissing its appeal against a judgement which found the airline had cut jobs unlawfully.
The ruling came days after Australia's competition regulator sued the carrier over selling fake seats, with erstwhile company chief Alan Joyce stepping down.
"As a board, we acknowledge the significant reputational and customer service issues facing the group and recognise that accountability is required to restore trust," Goyder said.
The outgoing chair acknowledged the "difficult period" for the carrier since the COVID pandemic.
"The recovery has not been easy, and mistakes were made," he said.
Qantas said it has initiated the process to pick a new chairman.
"The wave of changes we're seeing, from CEO to chairman, will always create uncertainty for shareholders, and investors hate uncertainty," said Josh Gilbert, market analyst at eToro AUS Capital.
"If the new team Qantas are forming can bring a more diplomatic approach to worker relations while also improving customer experience and beating away intensifying competitors with more competitive fares, investors will be able to breathe a sigh of relief," added Josh.
(Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
