Hardie Grant acquires Joyce memoir

Hardie Grant Books has acquired world rights to former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce’s memoir, in a deal brokered by Robert Joske at Robert Joske Management.

Joyce “will take a reflective and honest look at [his] decisions, offering insights – along with some concessions – that may surprise readers who think they already know the man behind the headlines,” said the publisher. “Joyce’s tenure was equally marked by his outspoken advocacy for social causes. After publicly identifying himself as gay, he became Australia’s most prominent openly gay chief executive and campaigned for marriage equality.”

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Joyce was the first of his family to study at a tertiary level. In 2003, he was the founding chief executive of Jetstar. In 2008, during the global financial crisis, he became the CEO of Qantas. “Over the next 15 years, Joyce became one of Australia’s most high profile and polarising business leaders,” said the publisher. Joyce retired in 2023.

Joyce said, “I’m looking forward to setting the record straight – the book will be a forthright and honest account of my time as CEO of Australia’s national flagship. Nothing will be off limits.”

Hardie Grant publishing director Pam Brewster said, “Alan Joyce has never shied from controversy; and this book captures a fearless leader who took on critics and championed equality while steering Qantas through its stormiest skies.

“It’s a story of grit, conviction, and the price of taking a stand. As an Irishman, Alan can tell a great story, and his will be highly entertaining, engrossing and revelatory.”

Hardie Grant plans to the publish the memoir in 2026.

Photo credit: James D Morgan/Getty Images.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions