Money

Who will replace Alan Joyce as Qantas CEO?

Published

11 months ago

November 1, 2022

The Qantas board is set to face the big question about the airline’s chief executive succession plan at its AGM.

Shareholders will be asked to approve a potential $13.8 million payday for Alan Joyce, now into his 14th year as CEO of the airline.

Qantas chairman Richard Goyder has said that Mr Joyce is expected to leave by the end of 2023 after overseeing the airline’s recovery from the pandemic.

“The succession plan is important from a confidence perspective for shareholders,” said Australian Shareholders Association CEO Rachel Waterhouse.

“The organisation has been very reliant on one individual for a period of time. He’s done really well at several points in time, but retail investors will want to see some succession planning in place.”

Like many international airlines, Qantas has been hit hard by the pandemic.

The company has had to axe thousands of jobs and stand down tens of thousands of employees. However, Mr Joyce has been widely credited with steering the company through the crisis and positioning it for a strong recovery.

Under his leadership, Qantas was the first airline in the world to receive carbon-neutral status.

The next leader

It’s one of the most prominent business jobs in Australia, and Qantas punches well above its weight on the international aviation stage, thanks to its ultra long haul flights and long history.

But the top job is somewhat of a poisoned chalice. Dealing with complex unions in a high cost environment and fast-changing aviation world, Joyce’s replacement will need to be a politician capable of attaining the highest office.

Money

Peloton partners with Lululemon as stock surges

Published

17 hours ago

September 28, 2023

ticker NEWS

Peloton’s stock prices experienced a remarkable surge as the company unveiled an exciting collaboration with popular athletic apparel brand, Lululemon.

This strategic partnership is set to bring a fusion of digital fitness content and stylish workout apparel to fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

The partnership aims to leverage Peloton’s extensive library of on-demand and live fitness classes with Lululemon’s renowned activewear. Subscribers to Peloton’s digital fitness platform will soon have access to exclusive Lululemon workout collections, making it easier than ever for fitness enthusiasts to look and feel their best during their workouts.

Investors have responded positively to this news, driving Peloton’s stock prices to new heights. The synergy between the two companies is expected to create a win-win situation. Peloton can tap into Lululemon’s massive fan base, while Lululemon can expand its presence in the rapidly growing digital fitness market.

The partnership also includes collaborative marketing efforts, with joint promotions and events that will undoubtedly generate buzz and excitement among fitness enthusiasts. This move is seen as a bold step by both companies to stay competitive in the evolving fitness landscape.

As the fitness industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, partnerships like this one highlight the importance of innovation and collaboration. Peloton and Lululemon’s joint venture promises to provide consumers with not only top-notch fitness content but also the trendiest workout attire.

Money

Kraken to launch US stock trading, expanding offerings

Published

18 hours ago

September 28, 2023

ticker NEWS

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is set to broaden its services by enabling users to trade US-listed stocks, according to reports from Bloomberg News.

This move marks a significant expansion for the platform, allowing customers to diversify their investment portfolios beyond cryptocurrencies.

Kraken’s foray into traditional stock trading will provide its users with access to a wide range of US-listed equities, including well-known companies from various industries. By offering this additional asset class, Kraken aims to cater to the growing demand for a holistic investment experience that combines both traditional and digital assets.

The move is seen as a strategic response to the evolving landscape of financial markets, where traditional and cryptocurrency investments are becoming increasingly intertwined. Kraken intends to streamline the trading process for its users, enabling them to manage both their cryptocurrency and stock portfolios within a single platform.

Kraken’s entry into the US stock market could potentially introduce new opportunities and challenges for the exchange, as it will need to navigate the regulatory requirements associated with stock trading. However, the exchange’s established track record and commitment to compliance should help ease this transition.

This development aligns with Kraken’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a comprehensive financial services provider, offering a wide array of investment options to its global user base.

Money

Does remote work hamper diversity efforts?

Published

19 hours ago

September 28, 2023

ticker NEWS

UK finance executives express concerns that remote work is hindering diversity initiatives, signaling potential setbacks in the industry’s push for inclusivity.

As businesses continue to adapt to the changing work landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a staple for many industries, including finance. While it has provided flexibility and continuity during uncertain times, some financial leaders are now questioning its impact on diversity and inclusion within their organizations.

In a recent survey of UK finance executives, a substantial portion voiced apprehensions about the ramifications of prolonged remote work. They argue that the lack of physical presence in the office can exacerbate disparities, making it harder to foster an inclusive work environment.

One of the primary concerns raised by these executives is the potential for remote work to perpetuate existing inequalities. They believe that employees from underrepresented groups may face more significant challenges in terms of career progression and networking when they are not physically present in the workplace. This could lead to a stagnation in efforts to diversify leadership teams and foster equal opportunities.

Furthermore, the executives highlight the difficulties in monitoring and addressing issues related to diversity when employees are dispersed geographically. Ensuring equitable access to resources, mentorship, and career development opportunities becomes a more complex task.

Despite these concerns, it’s important to note that remote work has also opened doors for talent from different locations and backgrounds, potentially contributing positively to diversity efforts. Striking a balance between the advantages of remote work and the imperative to promote diversity remains a pressing challenge for finance organizations.