Etihad Airways has appointed Michael Venus, who has been the airline’s head of international media relations since June 2011, as vice president corporate affairs, with immediate effect.

Etihad is considered the World’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards.

Venus will be responsible for Etihad Airways’ public affairs and corporate communications, including global media relations, social media strategy, internal communications, corporate social responsibility, environmental affairs and corporate events.

Venus, a multi award-winning journalist, has more than 30 years of media experience.

His career began in Australian newspapers covering aviation, transport and politics.

He was also a daily columnist, feature writer and investigative journalist.

Michael then made the transition to television news as a senior on-camera reporter with the Nine Network before being appointed chief of staff at National Nine News in Melbourne.

It was a position he held for more than a decade.

In 2003 he assumed complete editorial and management control when he was appointed director of news.

After seven years in the role he relocated to the United Arab Emirates.

James Hogan, president and chief executive of Etihad Airways, said: “Michael brings a wide range of skills and experience to this role.

“He will help us move up to the next level in our global communications.”