Just days after he fronted cameras to announce that Qantas was posting a record $1.43 billion half-year profit, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Alan Joyce has quietly succeeded Ian Narev as Chairman of the Board of Sydney Theatre Company. Narev served in the position for seven years.

The changeover came without fanfare and was announced in an email from STC Executive Director Anne Dunn and Artistic Director Kip Williams to company supporters. Joyce and husband Shane Lloyd have long been supporters of the theatre company.

Joyce will chair a board that includes Ann Johnson (Deputy Chair), Anita Belgiorno-Nettis, Gretel Packer, Annette Shun-Wah, Brooke Boney, Mark Coulter and Heather Mitchell, among others.

With rumours swirling regarding Joyce’s possible retirement from Qantas, is this the soft landing he’s been looking for?