The Chairman’s Lounge: The book Qantas and Alan Joyce don’t want written will hit the shelves this year
Qantas might have thought it got rid of the proverbial pebble in its sandshoe when journalist Joe Aston left the AFR, but the carrier’s biggest critic in 2023 makes his literary return with the announcement of his book, “The Chairmans Lounge” which will be published in the second half of this year.
Simon & Schuster Australia announced the exclusive acquisition of world rights to the first book by the renowned writer Joe Aston, an explosive work of narrative non-fiction.
Aston recently left the Australian Financial Review after twelve years in which he transformed its Rear Window column into a celebrated, feared and must-read property.
Aston’s year-long campaign of investigative commentary on Qantas in 2023 ultimately led to the early retirements of chief executive Alan Joyce and chairman Richard Goyder.
Joe Aston (Credit: Stephen Blake)
“Joe’s incredible ability to not only break a story but to write about it evocatively made his column essential reading for anyone after the truth about how power, money and influence flow in this country,” publishing director, Simon & Schuster, Ben Ball, said.
“The Chairman’s Lounge will do the same over the long form, telling the bigger story of how one company – and a few key individuals – bought the nation’s loyalty and then cashed in on it.”
“Joe’s prose is as rare as his access and insight: razor-sharp, funny and fearless, slicing to expose.
“Like Michael Lewis, he has an eye for the telling detail and the mind for the big picture, which he’s finally able to show us.
“With fresh interviews and revelations, The Chairman’s Lounge is the definitive, compelling story of greed, power and hubris brought low – of how Qantas was brought to ground and who did it.”
While we doubt The Chairmans Lounge will be mandatory reading in the QF offices, there will be plenty of big-name industry figures set to indulge in Aston’s next chapter.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
alan joyce Ben Ball Joe Aston Qantas Simon & SchusterLatest News
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