I would agree.
I have not met HD but I think his time in the safety department has no doubt given him the tools on how to effectively get the best from people.
It will take a solid 6 months for someone to fit into the role and I get the feeling that he will be good for moral. I will of course be happy to be called out if I am wrong.
Cautious optimism...I remember AS in the briefing room at the temporary flight ops building asking what pilots wanted and look how he turned out. I think HD (if given the latitude) can pull the ship out of its nose dive.