Regional Express (Rex) disclosed that its Managing Director Geoff Breust had given notice of his resignation on 7 November and is currently serving a four-week notice period prior to his retirement.
Rex Deputy Chairman, John Sharp paid tribute to his four years at the helm during which Rex transformed from an airline tottering on the brink of bankruptcy to the most successful regional airline in Australia, winning accolades like Best Regional Airline (Asia Pacific) 2007 from CAPA and the best domestic airline 2007 from the readers of Australia’s leading consumer magazine.
“Geoff also made a considerable contribution to his community and was recently recognised by his elevation to the Wagga Wagga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Roll of Honour, a distinction awarded to only a handful of citizens of one of Australia’s largest regional cities. Geoff actively contributed to the aviation industry and was passionate about regional Australia. He is a Board member of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia and Honorary Chairman of the C Change Bureau, a government funded organisation tasked with engaging people to relocate to regional centres in New South Wales. He has also helped many charitable causes throughout regional Australia during his time at Rex.
“Geoff Breust worked closely for many years with the founder of one of the two airlines which now make up Rex, - Don Kendell. During that time he rose to the position of CEO of Kendell Airlines.
“It is with great regret that the Board accepted Geoff’s resignation. However, we have to respect his desire to take a well deserved retirement after more than 30 years of service in both government and the private sector. During this time he has made many friends and won great respect from all those associated with regional air services. He will surely be missed by many.”
The Nationals Federal Member for Riverina Mrs Kay Hull thanked Mr Breust on behalf of rural and regional communities, "Geoff has been the face of regional airlines through his employment with Kendell and then his successful stewardship of our community airline Rex. I have personally witnessed Geoff's tireless dedication, energy and drive that has delivered the services that regional communities are now enjoying and I am proud of our friendship that spans eighteen years," Mrs Hull said.
Reflecting on his imminent departure, Mr Breust paid tribute to the staff of Rex.
“Rex’s success is the clear result of the dedication, professionalism and just plain hard work of its staff. They are its backbone and heart and soul. Rex has a great future and I wish them all every success.”
The Rex Board has appointed Chief of Staff Jim Davis to take on the leadership in the interim period while it puts in place the new leadership structure.
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of 35 Saab 340 aircraft on 1,300 flights weekly to 25 destinations from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. The Rex Group of companies comprises of Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel – Air Aviation and Dubbo based regional airline, Air Link.
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