The announcement came as Virgin fired off another shot in the loyalty points war with Qantas.

Virgin announced every member of its Velocity Frequent Flyer had a chance to earn more points in a new program.

To gain a share in the 20 million Velocity Points Virgin has offered members needed to download the Velocity app, or already have the app downloaded, by midnight AEST on Tuesday 26 January, and activate the offer on the home screen.

Late last year Qantas Frequent Flyer offered top-tier members of other airline loyalty programs the opportunity to fast track their flying status when they switched to Qantas.

Virgin announces the six new appointments included David Marr as chief financial officer. Marr was Woolworths chief operating officer and his appointment means the loss of Keith Neate who will leave at the end of March.

Chief legal officer Dayna Field will also leave and will be replaced by Susan Schneider who was general manager of legal and compliance. Chief commercial officer John Macleod will retire and chief information officer Cameron Stone recently resigned.

Jetstar Japan’s chief executive Nick Rohrlach will head up Velocity.

Chief people officer will be Lisa Burquest, who had been with the a2 Milk Company.

Moska Watts will move from Arnotts to be chief corporate affairs officer.

Alistair Hartley will become chief transformation officer.

Paul Jones was previously announced as chief customer and digital officer. Jones was previously with Qantas.

Hrdlicka said each new member was world-class and had a proven track record.

“These people deeply understand our market and they know our customers,” she said.