Virgin Atlantic Announces New Leadership Team

Corneel Koster has officially assumed his position as Virgin Atlantic’s new CEO and with it has announced a new leadership team.

Koster was previously chief customer and operating officer, a role he held since 2019.

“I’m incredibly proud and energized to be leading Virgin Atlantic into its next chapter,” said Koster. “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.”

The new team is:

Suzanne Roddie – Chief Operating Officer

Following promotion to Chief Operating Officer, Roddie oversees the safety, efficiency and excellence of Virgin Atlantic’s entire flying and ground operation, including Flight Operations, Engineering & Maintenance, Airports, Network Operations, Crew Logistics, Safety & Security, Business Continuity and Facilities. She was previously Vice President Airports, Network Operations & Clubhouses.

Juha Jaervinen – Chief Customer Officer

A long-standing customer champion, as Chief Customer Officer, Jaervinen leads the design and delivery of Virgin Atlantic’s renowned customer experience. His remit includes Brand & Marketing, Loyalty, Communications, Customer Experience Design & Journeys, Cabin & Inflight Services, Customer Centre and Clubhouses. He previously led Virgin Atlantic’s Commercial function as Chief Commercial Officer for seven years.

Becky Woodmansee – Chief People Officer

Having joined Virgin Atlantic 15 months ago, as Chief People Officer Woodmansee oversees all elements of the airline’s people strategy at the heart of what makes Virgin Atlantic special, covering Reward, People Operations, Talent, Partnering & Performance, Employee Relations and Industrial Relations.

Dave Geer – Chief Commercial Officer

Geer leads Virgin Atlantic’s Commercial function as Chief Commercial Officer, following promotion from his role as Senior Vice President, Operations. His role will be 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 – Chief Financial Officer (Interim)

Previously Vice President Corporate Finance, Hussain has taken on responsibility for Corporate Finance, Financial Planning, Finance Operations, Procurement, Fleet and Internal Audit as Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis. Ansar has been fundamental to rebuilding Virgin Atlantic’s financial position post-pandemic.

Holly Boyd-Boland – Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Legal Affairs

As Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Legal Affairs, Boyd-Boland expands her remit to include Legal Affairs and the Company Secretariat, alongside Corporate Strategy, Government Affairs, Sustainability and Community.

Chief Digital & Information Officer – Recruitment Underway

Virgin Atlantic is bringing together Technology, Digital Development, Data, Artificial Intelligence and Transformation under a new Chief Digital & Information Officer role to accelerate innovation and alignment across the business. Recruitment is underway.