Corporate and Academic Transitions: Alan Joyce Debuts Venturi Advisory; Dr. Alan Sams Steps Down as Texas A&M Provost
New Corporate and Academic Horizons
This week, significant transition announcements highlight major leadership shifts across both the global corporate landscape and prominent higher education institutions. From corporate boardroom reunions in Sydney to executive-level changes in College Station, Texas, key figures named Alan are charting new paths for their respective organizations.
Corporate Advisory: Alan Joyce Launches Venturi Advisory
Following the recent release of his highly anticipated memoir, Riding the Jet Stream, former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has officially returned to the corporate advisory space. According to registration filings with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Joyce has co-founded a new boutique consulting firm, Venturi Advisory Pty Ltd.
Reuniting the Qantas Executive Team
The Sydney-based consultancy represents a formal reunion of key leadership figures who steered Australia's national carrier during Joyce's tenure. The four directors and equal shareholders of the newly minted firm include:
- Alan Joyce: Former CEO of Qantas Group.
- Gareth Evans: Former Chief Financial Officer of Qantas and CEO of Jetstar.
- John Gissing: Former Chief Executive Officer of QantasLink.
- Andrew Finch: Former General Counsel and Group Executive at Qantas.
Venturi Advisory is expected to provide specialized, top-tier corporate advisory services, leveraging the partners' collective experience in global transportation, complex financial restructuring, and corporate governance.
Academic Administration: Dr. Alan Sams Transitions Back to Faculty at Texas A&M
In a major academic development, Texas A&M University President Susan Ballabina announced that Dr. Alan Sams will step down from his administrative duties as Provost and Executive Vice President. Dr. Sams has chosen to return to a full-time academic role, joining the faculty of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective September 1, 2026.
Legacy of Administrative Service
Dr. Sams has been a pillar of the Texas A&M administration for several years, first assuming the role of Interim Provost in August 2022 before taking on the permanent position in June 2023. His tenure was characterized by a focus on student success, the alignment of high-impact experiential education programs, and navigating the university's academic division through periods of leadership transition.
Texas A&M's Next Steps
To ensure academic continuity, the university has outlined its interim leadership plan as the national search for a permanent Provost continues:
- Interim Appointment: Dr. Jerry R. Strawser, Professor and KPMG Chair in Accounting at Mays Business School, has been selected to serve as Interim Provost and Executive Vice President starting September 1.
- Governance Approval: The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents is scheduled to hold a special meeting on August 27, 2026, to formally review and vote on Dr. Strawser’s interim appointment.
- Ongoing Search: The search for a permanent Provost will remain active over the coming months as Texas A&M looks to solidifying its long-term academic leadership.