Virgin Voyages Reorganizes Trade-Focused Sales Structure, Hires Koreen McNutt

Virgin Voyages is expanding and reorganizing its trade-focused sales structure with the hiring of Koreen McNutt as vice president of agency and business development. The hiring of McNutt – and promotions of Kristy Woolums and Stephen Hopkins – is part of a newly launched integrated commercial approach designed to provide enhanced support, specialized expertise, and accelerated opportunities for Virgin Voyages’ First Mate (travel advisor) partners.

The enhancements come as Virgin’s trade channel continues to deliver year-over-year growth.

“During First Mate Appreciation Month, there’s no better time to announce these investments in building our partnership’s future together,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “First Mates aren’t just important to Virgin Voyages — they are key to our growth and future. Our sold-out Ultimate First Mate Voyage demonstrates the incredible strength of this partnership, and these leadership appointments reflect our commitment to the advisors who have helped us build this company from day one. As we always say, feedback is a gift, and their success has taught us exactly where to invest next.”

McNutt joins Virgin Voyages from MSC Cruises, where she served as senior vice president and commercial officer. Prior to MSC Cruises, she spent 16 years at Expedia Group, rising to senior director of global cruise supply. She also spent 13 years at Holland America Line/Windstar Cruises.  

“Virgin Voyages has consistently proven their commitment to travel advisors isn’t just talk — it’s built into their DNA,” said McNutt. “What I love about this company is their authentic approach to building partnerships. I’m excited to accelerate the incredible foundation they’ve created and develop more innovative ways to support advisor success as we build this company together.”

Simultaneous to McNutt’s hiring, Virgin Voyages has promoted Kristy Woolums to the role of senior director of national strategic accounts, North America. She will focus exclusively on high-value strategic partnerships, providing the dedicated attention and leadership focus that these relationships require. She will also serve as the cruise line’s key representative at major events and industry get-togethers, ensuring Virgin Voyages maintains strong visibility.

According to the cruise line, this newly created position “recognizes the critical importance of national account relationships in driving strategic growth, market positioning, and long-term brand value.

Also expanding his role is vice president of growth and international sales and marketing, Stephen Hopkins, who will also take on sales acceleration, under the guidance of chief marketing officer Nathan Rosenberg. In this enhanced capacity, he will oversee the integration of sales enablement, trade marketing, and partner engagement initiatives — all designed to deliver stronger tools, more streamlined support, and enhanced resources for Virgin Voyages’ global network of travel partners.

By bringing these key commercial functions together under one leader, Virgin Voyages is creating a more unified and efficient approach to driving partner success. This structure allows for improved alignment across marketing channels, more cohesive campaign execution, and greater ease of access to the tools and support travel advisors need to convert business and grow their Virgin Voyages sales.

“The enhanced structure creates a unified commercial team under chief marketing officer Nathan Rosenberg’sleadership, breaking down traditional silos between sales and marketing to ensure First Mates receive cohesive support across all touchpoints,” the line said in its announcement of the hiring and promotions.

“By working in better coordination across our brand story, marketing strategy and sales execution, we reduce mixed messages and disconnected experiences for our First Mates,” said Rosenberg. “This creates integrated strategies that make it easier for them to sell Virgin Voyages successfully, helping us all make ship happen together.”