Virgin Atlantic's chief executive, Shai Weiss, is set to step down from his role at the end of 2025, after seven years with the company founded by Sir Richard Branson.
His successor has been named as Corneel Koster, who returned to Virgin Atlantic in 2019 as a board member and chief customer officer, before his role expanded to chief customer and operating officer in 2020, as reported by .
Koster brings with him experience from senior operational and commercial roles at Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico and KLM.
Weiss has served as Virgin Atlantic's chief executive since 2019, having initially joined the airline as chief financial officer in 2014, and later serving as chief commercial officer.
Sir Richard Branson praises departing CEO
Sir Richard Branson expressed his gratitude for Weiss's contributions, stating: "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."
Branson also welcomed Koster to his new role, saying: "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, added his praise for Weiss, noting: "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."
The announcement of Weiss's departure follows Virgin Atlantic reporting a pre-tax profit of £20m for 2024 – marking its first profitable year since the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
Chief executive to depart following Virgin Atlantic's record-breaking performance
The carrier's turnover also climbed by £183m to reach £3.3bn, establishing a fresh milestone.
Weiss commented: "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.
"I leave Virgin Atlantic full of pride, knowing I have played a part in its bright red history.
"Together, we've transformed through the pandemic and emerged faster, better and stronger than ever.
"We are now well on our way to achieving our mission of becoming the most loved travel company, having laid the foundations for a world of exciting opportunities as a premium flag carrier."
Koster further stated: "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.
"I'd like to thank the Virgin Atlantic board for their trust and confidence and to thank Shai for his leadership and his friendship.
"I'm proud to lead our talented teams into our next chapter. We will deliver value for our customers, people, shareholders and the communities we serve, while ensuring that Virgin Atlantic remains the airline that dares to do things differently."
