Virgin Australia names new CEO

Former DP World Australia boss Paul Scurrah has been tapped as the new chief executive of Virgin Australia.  

The airline had searched for John Borghetti's replacement for eight months, and Mr Scurrah will assume the role on March 25.

Mr Scurrah was the chief executive port and supply chain operator DP World's Australian division for five years until December.

Prior to that he was chief executive of Queensland for two years until 2011. 

He currently serves as a non-executive director of Australian Post and AFL team Gold Coast Suns. 

Mr Borghetti is stepping down after eight years in charge of Virgin, which lost $681 million in the past financial year.

Chairwoman Elizabeth Bryan said the company was confident Mr Scurrah can deliver the next phase of its strategy.

"The board received enormous interest in the role both locally and internationally and Paul's highly relevant transport and logistics expertise, and strong commercial background, make him the ideal candidate to consolidate the group's achievements and continue to build momentum in the future," she said.

"Paul's significant leadership in driving transformation and improving customer satisfaction in complex and challenging businesses is highly impressive and his background in aviation provides the right foundation to steer the Virgin Australia Group into the future."