New Leadership and Alliances: Shaping the Future of Australian Business
March 31, 2025, 10:33 pm

Location: Australia, Queensland, Brisbane City
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 2000
In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian business, two significant developments have emerged, each poised to reshape their respective sectors. The Turnaround Management Association (TMA) has appointed new leadership, while the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has authorized a strategic alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways. These changes signal a dynamic shift in how companies navigate challenges and opportunities in a complex economic environment.
Jason Preston, a seasoned figure in the turnaround industry, has taken the helm as president of TMA. His appointment is more than a title; it’s a beacon of hope for businesses facing turbulent waters. Preston, who has been a director of TMA since 2021, steps into this role with a wealth of experience. He has been a guiding force in some of Australia’s most notable corporate recoveries, including high-profile cases like Virgin Australia and Toys R Us. His leadership comes at a critical time when the economy is showing signs of strain.
Preston’s vision for TMA is built on three pillars: connectivity, inclusion, and market profiling. These aren’t just buzzwords; they are the lifeblood of a thriving industry. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of these principles in fostering a robust network of professionals dedicated to turnaround and restructuring. The message is clear: collaboration is key. In a world where businesses often operate in silos, TMA aims to break down barriers and create a community of support.
As the economy wobbles under the weight of geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations, the demand for turnaround expertise is expected to surge. Preston understands that the stakes are high. The work done by TMA members is not just about saving companies; it’s about preserving jobs and stabilizing industries. In his words, the mission is critical—not just for individual businesses, but for the broader economy.
Joining Preston in this endeavor is Gayle Dickerson, the newly appointed vice president. With a robust background in restructuring services at KPMG, Dickerson brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her experience spans continents, having worked in Sydney, Hong Kong, and London. This global perspective is invaluable as TMA seeks to enhance its international footprint. Together, Preston and Dickerson represent a formidable leadership team, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, in the aviation sector, a significant alliance has taken flight. The ACCC has granted authorization for Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to collaborate on flights between Australia and the Middle East. This partnership is not just a strategic move; it’s a lifeline for travelers seeking more options and better prices. The ACCC’s decision is rooted in the belief that this alliance will enhance competition, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The alliance allows Virgin Australia to market and sell 28 weekly return flights between Doha and major Australian cities. This is a game-changer. It opens up new routes and increases capacity, providing travelers with more choices. The ACCC has noted that this collaboration is likely to exert downward pressure on prices, making international travel more accessible. In a world where every dollar counts, this is a welcome development for consumers.
However, the alliance is not without its complexities. Concerns have been raised about potential exclusivity arrangements that could limit Virgin Australia’s ability to partner with other airlines. The ACCC has taken these concerns into account but ultimately believes the benefits outweigh the risks. This careful balancing act is crucial in maintaining a competitive landscape in the aviation sector.
Both TMA’s new leadership and the Virgin-Qatar alliance reflect a broader trend in Australian business: adaptability. In a world where change is the only constant, organizations must be willing to pivot and innovate. Preston and Dickerson’s leadership at TMA is a testament to the importance of collaboration and community in navigating challenges. Similarly, the Virgin-Qatar alliance showcases the power of strategic partnerships in enhancing service offerings and driving competition.
As we look to the future, these developments serve as reminders of the resilience of Australian businesses. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with strong leadership and strategic alliances, there is hope. The TMA is poised to lead the charge in turnaround management, while the Virgin-Qatar partnership is set to redefine international travel for Australians.
In conclusion, the appointment of Jason Preston and Gayle Dickerson at TMA, alongside the ACCC’s approval of the Virgin-Qatar alliance, marks a pivotal moment in Australian business. These changes are not just administrative; they are transformative. They signal a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and resilience in the face of adversity. As these leaders and organizations navigate the complexities of their respective industries, they will undoubtedly shape the future of Australian business for years to come. The journey may be long, but with the right leadership and partnerships, the destination promises to be bright.
Jason Preston, a seasoned figure in the turnaround industry, has taken the helm as president of TMA. His appointment is more than a title; it’s a beacon of hope for businesses facing turbulent waters. Preston, who has been a director of TMA since 2021, steps into this role with a wealth of experience. He has been a guiding force in some of Australia’s most notable corporate recoveries, including high-profile cases like Virgin Australia and Toys R Us. His leadership comes at a critical time when the economy is showing signs of strain.
Preston’s vision for TMA is built on three pillars: connectivity, inclusion, and market profiling. These aren’t just buzzwords; they are the lifeblood of a thriving industry. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of these principles in fostering a robust network of professionals dedicated to turnaround and restructuring. The message is clear: collaboration is key. In a world where businesses often operate in silos, TMA aims to break down barriers and create a community of support.
As the economy wobbles under the weight of geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations, the demand for turnaround expertise is expected to surge. Preston understands that the stakes are high. The work done by TMA members is not just about saving companies; it’s about preserving jobs and stabilizing industries. In his words, the mission is critical—not just for individual businesses, but for the broader economy.
Joining Preston in this endeavor is Gayle Dickerson, the newly appointed vice president. With a robust background in restructuring services at KPMG, Dickerson brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her experience spans continents, having worked in Sydney, Hong Kong, and London. This global perspective is invaluable as TMA seeks to enhance its international footprint. Together, Preston and Dickerson represent a formidable leadership team, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, in the aviation sector, a significant alliance has taken flight. The ACCC has granted authorization for Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to collaborate on flights between Australia and the Middle East. This partnership is not just a strategic move; it’s a lifeline for travelers seeking more options and better prices. The ACCC’s decision is rooted in the belief that this alliance will enhance competition, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The alliance allows Virgin Australia to market and sell 28 weekly return flights between Doha and major Australian cities. This is a game-changer. It opens up new routes and increases capacity, providing travelers with more choices. The ACCC has noted that this collaboration is likely to exert downward pressure on prices, making international travel more accessible. In a world where every dollar counts, this is a welcome development for consumers.
However, the alliance is not without its complexities. Concerns have been raised about potential exclusivity arrangements that could limit Virgin Australia’s ability to partner with other airlines. The ACCC has taken these concerns into account but ultimately believes the benefits outweigh the risks. This careful balancing act is crucial in maintaining a competitive landscape in the aviation sector.
Both TMA’s new leadership and the Virgin-Qatar alliance reflect a broader trend in Australian business: adaptability. In a world where change is the only constant, organizations must be willing to pivot and innovate. Preston and Dickerson’s leadership at TMA is a testament to the importance of collaboration and community in navigating challenges. Similarly, the Virgin-Qatar alliance showcases the power of strategic partnerships in enhancing service offerings and driving competition.
As we look to the future, these developments serve as reminders of the resilience of Australian businesses. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with strong leadership and strategic alliances, there is hope. The TMA is poised to lead the charge in turnaround management, while the Virgin-Qatar partnership is set to redefine international travel for Australians.
In conclusion, the appointment of Jason Preston and Gayle Dickerson at TMA, alongside the ACCC’s approval of the Virgin-Qatar alliance, marks a pivotal moment in Australian business. These changes are not just administrative; they are transformative. They signal a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and resilience in the face of adversity. As these leaders and organizations navigate the complexities of their respective industries, they will undoubtedly shape the future of Australian business for years to come. The journey may be long, but with the right leadership and partnerships, the destination promises to be bright.