Uninformed opinion only....
Leigh Clifford has achieved a lot in business.
He has been a CEO and has served/serving on many boards.
He has a good reputation - and in his circle I would imagine reputation is almost as important as the value of your family trusts.
It is important to remember that Qantas is his first Chairmanship.
This role is the cherry on top - crowning glory if you like.
He cannot be seen to fail. Business success defines him.
Failure will be whispered about at Royal Melbourne Golf, The Anthenaeum and Melbourne Clubs.