Virgin Australia has picked former Qantas executive Rob Sharp as the new boss of struggling budget carrier Tiger Airways Australia. Mr Sharp, who worked for 15 years at Qantas including roles in strategy and innovation, and global airport infrastructure and services, will commence as Tiger Australia's chief executive from Wednesday. His appointment comes after the competition regulator recently approved Virgin Australia's bid to buy 60 per cent of Tiger Australia from its Singaporean parent. As part of the transaction, Virgin Australia had the right to nominate the first chief executive. Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti, a former Qantas general manager, said he was "delighted" with the new appointment. Rob's extensive executive management career in aviation and strong leadership skills will be of great value to the airline. I am confident that Rob will build a sustainable low-cost carrier and bring strong competition to the budget segment. Tiger's acting chief executive, Harry Holling, also the chief pilot, was in the role since December 6. Under the proposed joint venture, Virgin Australia will take a 60 per cent stake in the company. The remaining 40 per cent of Tiger Australian stays with Singapore-based Tiger Airways Group, and the deal still requires approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board. I have full confidence in Rob's leadership and capabilities. He knows the ground well, and is full of creative ideas and solutions. With him in the cockpit, we can expect strong, sound business decisions, and positive results at the end of the day," the group chief executive of Tiger Airways, Koay Peng Yen, said. Mr Sharp was most recently the global head of commercial airport infrastructure and services at Qantas. He starts at Tiger this week, on May 1, and will be based at the head office at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne. I am privileged to be part of the Tiger team as it embarks on a new and exciting chapter. I see many opportunities ahead and look forward to leveraging these to build a stronger Tiger Australia," he said in a statement released by Tiger.