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Virgin Australia Holdings Limited (ASX:VAH) has nominated former Qantas executive Rob Sharp to head up budget carrier Tiger Airways Australia.
Mr Sharp, who has 15 years experience at Qantas, will start as Tiger Australia's chief executive on May 1.
The appointment comes after the competition regulator approved Virgin Australia's bid to buy 60 per cent of Tiger Australia from its Singapore parent.
As part of the transaction, Virgin Australia had the right to nominate the first chief executive.
Mr Sharp will replace Andrew David, who left Tiger in March for a role at Jetstar.
Virgin Australia generated a net profit of $23 million in the first half of the current financial year