In the latest corporate shakeup announced in recent days, Qantas’ chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson will replace outgoing boss Alan Joyce in the top job in November. After 15 years at the helm, Joyce yesterday said it was a “logical time” to step aside after shepherding the company to the other side of the tough pandemic years. In February, the carrier announced it had returned to profit for the first time in 3 years but flagged signs of turbulence ahead. Joyce said rising interest rates and high inflation could continue to put a brake on consumer spending on travel, as well as push up borrowing costs for the company. And complaints have soared as Qantas’ staffing issues cause flight cancellations and delays, with Hudson pledging to focus on customer experience in the top job. After working in several executive roles at Qantas since 1994, Hudson will become the first woman to lead the nation’s flagship airline.