Tallaght’s Alan Joyce named as world’s most influential LGBT business executive
Tallaght native and head of Australian airline Qantas, Alan Joyce has been named as the world’s most influential LGBT business executive.
Joyce topped the annual list, and was chosen for his campaigning in favour of same-sex marriage.
Almost 16 million Australians are currently taking part in the Australian Marriage Law postal survey, with Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull promising that if a majority support same sex-sex marriage, a debate to amend the Marriage Act will take place.
The annual list, which has been compiled by OUTstanding and the Financial Times, has been published for the past five years. It recognises those in business who are identified as positive role LGBT models
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Joyce said: “As an openly gay man and being the leader of this organisation (Qantas) and a high profile business leader in Australia, I felt it was very important that I led by example and was out there promoting the case.”
In June 2017 Joyce was awarded one of Australia’s highest honours – a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) – as part of the birthday honours of Queen Elizabeth.
He was given the AC for his service to the aviation transport industry, to the development of the national and international tourism sectors, to gender equity, inclusion and diversity, and to the community, particularly as a supporter of indigenous education.
Joyce, who is now an Australian citizen, has been the CEO of national airline carrier Qantas since 2008, and has been noted as one of those responsible for keeping the airline afloat during the economic crash.
Mr Joyce started his aviation career with Aer Lingus in 1988 before moving to Australia in 1996, where he initially worked with Ansett Airlines.
He joined Qantas from their low-cost budget airline Jetstar Airways, and has been one of the main drivers behind the company registering a record profit of €1.3 billion in 2015/16.
