Jetset Travelworld has appointed former Qantas executive Rob Gurney as its new CEO, the company announced on Friday.

The news comes after current CEO Peter Lacaze confirmed to the board his intention to retire, effective from September 30.

Chairman of Jetset Travelworld Tom Dery hailed Mr Lacaze’s achievements over his career in the travel industry and reassured shareholders that Mr Gurney was the ideal candidate to lead the company forward.

“The board believes that Rob is the best person to take Jetset Travelworld forward in what is an increasingly fast-evolving and challenging environment,” Mr Dery said in a statement.

Mr Dery also said that the successful merger of Stella Travel Services and Jetset Travelworld in September 2010 was testament to the outgoing chief executive’s leadership.

Mr Gurney comes into his new role with extensive experience in the travel industry. Aside from his work as Group Executive for Qantas Airlines Commercial he has served on a number of boards, including the Australian Tourism Export Council and Tourism Western Australia.

It is expected that Mr Gurney will take up his new position late next month where he and Mr Lucaze will work to make the transition.