Hiranjan Aloysius
Chairs in Brisbane
Biography
Hiranjan Aloysius is a dynamic and visionary CEO with board experience spanning over 25 years across aviation, retail, hospitality, and telecommunications sectors. Until recently, he served as Regional CEO of dnata (Emirates Group) across Australia and Singapore, where he led a billion-dollar enterprise with a workforce of 4,500 staff across 11 cities—consistently delivering transformative results and exceptional shareholder value.
Renowned for his ability to turn around and scale businesses, Hiranjan spearheaded dnata’s post-COVID resurgence, growing revenues from $20M to $1.2B and securing over 80% (from 2.5%) market share in the Australian airline catering sector. Under his leadership, Singapore operations reversed a $10M loss to a significant profit, while new retail ventures added $20M in annual revenue. His operational overhaul and people-first approach restored a COVID-hit workforce from 400 to 4,000 and positioned the business to deliver 200% of its pre-pandemic profitability.
Previously, as CEO of dnata Australia, he led the successful merger of Qantas Catering and Alpha Flight Services, creating the country’s largest airline catering business. He navigated significant market challenges—including major customer losses and the COVID-19 crisis—while maintaining customer satisfaction and leading one of the sector’s most impactful community initiatives, donating over 1.3 million meals to Australians in need.
Hiranjan’s earlier career is marked by his turnaround of Alpha Flight Services, transforming it from a struggling $20M business into a $300M market leader. He played a pivotal role in Emirates’ acquisition of the company and helped drive its rapid growth across Australia. Prior to this, he held senior leadership positions across the Asia-Pacific with Alpha Airports Group and Coats Group plc, securing major retail concessions, launching new ventures, and expanding operations in India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
With board experience spanning over a decade—including as a founding director of Cabin Services Australia—Hiranjan brings a deep understanding of governance, strategic leadership, and cross-border collaboration. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and an alumnus of executive programs at INSEAD and London Business School. Now focused on his next chapter, Hiranjan remains passionate about building sustainable, high-growth businesses, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating meaningful community impact.
Career highlight
When Hiranjan was transferred to Australia, the business was struggling—with just 2.5% market share, $20 million in revenue, heavy losses, and significant debt. What followed was a remarkable transformation.
Through bold leadership, commercial discipline, and strategic focus, Hiranjan led the company’s growth from a minor player to an industry leader turning over $1 billion, eventually surpassing and acquiring the former market leader.
By the time he exited, the business:
- Was serving 4 out of every 5 passengers departing Australian airports
- Had become the largest airline catering business in the country
- Had diversified its revenue streams well beyond traditional aviation catering
This true David vs Goliath story is a testament to Hiranjan’s belief that nothing is impossible—even the smallest player can rise to the top with the right vision and execution.
Why Coraggio
“After delivering a keynote speech at a Coraggio event in 2023, I was genuinely inspired by the calibre of business owners in the room and the spirit of open, honest exchange. The idea of experienced leaders coming together to support, challenge, and uplift one another deeply resonated with me.
Having spent decades scaling businesses and navigating high-pressure environments, I’m passionate about using that experience to help business owners who are having a go—the ones in the trenches, building something meaningful. Coraggio gives me the opportunity to give back to the country that’s given me so much, by supporting the people driving Australia’s entrepreneurial engine.
What sets Coraggio apart is the authenticity and commitment of its members. It’s not just about advice—it’s about real conversations, shared learnings, and the collective ambition to grow stronger, together. I’m proud to be part of a community that empowers business owners to dream big, scale up, and lead with confidence.”