Corneel Koster will become Chief Executive for Virgin Atlantic from January 1 2026.
He will replace Shai Weiss who will stand down after a seven-year tenure at the end of this year.
Corneel re-joined Virgin Atlantic as Board Member and Chief Customer Officer in 2019, expanding his role to Chief Customer and Operating Officer in 2020.
During this time, he lead the introduction of the airline’s A330neo aircraft and a digital operational transformation.
He previously held senior operational and commercial roles at Virgin Atlantic and its partner Delta Air Lines, as well as Aeroméxico and KLM.
Weiss became CEO in January 2019 “steering Virgin Atlantic through the Covid-19 pandemic, completing a full transformation and delivering record performance in 2024”.
He joined the airline as Chief Financial Officer in 2014 and later served as Chief Commercial Officer.
Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Atlantic said: “Shai has done an outstanding job over the past seven years. I’m grateful for his vision, passion and commitment to creating brilliant experiences that have made the airline stronger and raised the bar across the industry. I’m delighted to welcome Corneel as CEO. He embodies the Virgin spirit – bold, curious and ready to shake up the status quo. We look forward to this exciting new chapter.”
Peter Norris, Chair of Virgin Atlantic, said: “In the last seven years, faced with exceptional headwinds, Shai has done a remarkable job steering the airline through the pandemic and its aftermath. While we’re sad he’s decided to stand down, he has done an excellent job leading from the front in service of our people, customers and the communities in which we operate, setting Virgin Atlantic on a clear path towards future success.
“We are delighted that Corneel will be picking up the baton, having been such an integral part of the leadership team. As a true customer champion, he understands what sets Virgin Atlantic apart as we continue to challenge the status quo in the years ahead.
“We thank Shai for his contribution and leadership, and we wish Corneel and the team every success in this next exciting phase.”
Weiss said: “I want to congratulate Corneel on his appointment, which is so well deserved. I can think of no one better to take over as he knows what it takes to drive Virgin Atlantic to the next level and he’ll continue to innovate for our people and our guests, making them smile every step of the way.”
Koster added: “I’ve long held a very special place in my heart for Virgin Atlantic, so it’s an incredible privilege to take up the role of CEO. We’ve always done everything in our power to give our customers and our people the best experience in the skies, delivered with a smile and the special challenger spirit that Richard instilled in us from day one. I’m determined we carry that spirit forward.”
Earlier this month, Virgin Atlantic confirmed that Luke Goggin, Vice-President of Global Sales, was leaving the airline “to pursue the next chapter in his career”. Goggin joined Virgin from British Airways in February 2023.
While a replacement is found, his role will be covered by Director of Global Agency Sales Nicki Goldsmith.
Goggin’s departure came weeks after Tom Maynard, Virgin Atlantic Director of Global Corporate Sales, also left. He was with the airline for just over four years.
