Qantas Chairman Leigh Clifford has today announced that General Peter Cosgrove, AC, MC has stepped down from his position as a Non-Executive Director of Qantas Airways Limited.

Mr Clifford said General Cosgrove has today resigned from his position on the Qantas Board to take on new responsibilities as the next Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

“We congratulate Peter on his appointment as Australia’s next Governor-General,” Mr Clifford said.

“Australia is indeed fortunate to have a person of Peter’s calibre to take on such an important role. Peter has a distinguished record as a military leader and in a range of corporate and community roles, including more than eight years on the Qantas Board.

“During his time with Qantas, Peter has provided valuable leadership and has brought a unique perspective to the deliberations of the Qantas Board, the Board’s Safety, Health, Environment and Security Committee and to the Qantas Superannuation Board. He is held in high esteem by everyone at Qantas and we all wish him well.”