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SYDNEY - James Strong, seen by many as the likely next chairman of Qantas, says he's not interested in the job.
Mr Strong, currently holding chairman positions with Woolworths and insurer IAG, tonight said he'd told both those companies he would not run for the chairmanship of the airline.
"When I spoke to the boards of IAG and Woolworths, I said I'd give it serious thought," he told ABC's Lateline Business tonight.
"Some people pointed out to me that this was a very important role I had and both these companies are really dynamic companies and doing very well, with good management and very good board and so on.
"So, I said I'd give it very serious thought and clarify the position.
"I announced to both boards today that I won't be a candidate (for the Qantas chairmanship)."
Mr Strong is a former Qantas CEO who returned to the airline's board late last year.
The national carrier is searching for a new chairman after Margaret Jackson announced she would retire following the collapse in May of the $11.1 billion takeover bid by the Airline Partners Australia (APA).
- AAP
