Virgin Atlantic’s new Chief Executive Officer Corneel Koster, who took on the role in January, has unveiled the airline’s new leadership team.
He said the newly-appointed team will “lead the delivery of Virgin Atlantic’s strategy, drive performance and accelerate innovation across the business”.
Suzanne Roddie has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer to oversee the safety, efficiency and excellence of Virgin Atlantic’s flying and ground operation, including Flight Operations, Engineering and Maintenance, Airports, Network Operations, Crew Logistics, Safety and Security, Business Continuity and Facilities.
Previously Vice President Airports, Network Operations & Clubhouses, she played a key role restarting and growing the airline’s operation following the pandemic “delivering strong operational resilience, reaching leading on-time performance and elevating customer experience”.
Juha Jaervinen becomes Chief Customer Officer to lead the design and delivery of Virgin Atlantic’s customer experience.
His remit includes Brand and Marketing, Loyalty, Communications, Customer Experience Design and Journeys, Cabin and Inflight Services, Customer Centre and Clubhouses.
Jaervinen previously led Virgin Atlantic’s Commercial function as Chief Commercial Officer for seven years. Prior to that, he held several senior roles at Finnair and SAS Scandinavian Airlines.
Becky Woodmansee, who joined Virgin Atlantic 15 months ago as Chief People Officer, will oversee all elements of the airline’s people strategy.
She was previously People Director, Premier Inn & Restaurants at Whitbread plc.
Dave Geer, previously Senior Vice President, Operations, becomes Chief Commercial Officer to “drive quality revenue growth across Sales, Network, Revenue Management, E-Commerce, Ancillaries, and the Transatlantic Joint Venture with Delta and Air France KLM”.
Ansar Hussain, previously Vice President Corporate Finance, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis.
With a 15-year career in finance, he trained as a Chartered Accountant at Deloitte, supporting clients across a range of industries in both an advisory and compliance capacity.
Holly Boyd-Boland takes on the role of Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Legal Affairs, while the airline is currently recruiting for a Chief Digital & Information Officer after deciding to bring together Technology, Digital Development, Data, Artificial Intelligence and Transformation under a new role to “accelerate innovation and alignment across the business”.
Koster said: “I’m incredibly proud and energised to be leading Virgin Atlantic into its next chapter. This airline has always been defined by its people — their red spirit, professionalism and unwavering care for our customers and for one another.
“I’m confident this leadership team brings together the experience, leadership qualities, innovative thinking and collaborative mindset needed to build a strong and exciting future for the airline we all love.”
