Virgin Group chief executive appointed chair of Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic has appointed Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, as chair, succeeding Peter Norris.

The airline said Norris will step down as chair on May 31, after 14 years in the role and having guided Virgin Atlantic through “one of its most important defining periods”.

During his tenure, Norris played a “pivotal role” in forging strategic partnerships, including the establishment of the leading transatlantic joint venture with shareholder Delta Air Lines and with Air France-KLM; entry into the SkyTeam alliance; and development of the partnership with Virgin Red, the Virgin rewards club and loyalty partner, said the airline.

“He led the board through the unprecedented impact of the pandemic, overseeing restructuring and recapitalisation, ensuring the airline emerged focused, resilient and ready for the future,” added the statement.

Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic chief executive, said: “Peter has been an insightful and forward-thinking chair for many important years in Virgin Atlantic’s story.

“Both in times of growth and faced with extraordinary challenge, his leadership provided clarity, calm conviction and deep commitment to our people, our brand and our business.

“We are hugely grateful for his enduring contribution, establishing the strategic foundations on which we will continue to build and challenge the status quo.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with Josh as the new chair and to building the next chapter of Virgin Atlantic together.”

Norris said: “It has been my great privilege to work alongside this team. Virgin Atlantic has survived and prospered despite extraordinary challenges. We have introduced innovations which have greatly benefitted customers and we remain committed to the core values established at our inception.

“Josh is an exceptional leader and I know he will continue to foster our culture and values.”

Bayliss will take up the role in June, bringing extensive leadership experience from Virgin Group, where he has been chief executive since 2011, leading on group strategy, with a focus on the Virgin brand and diversifying its investment portfolio.

“Peter has been a remarkable leader who has left an indelible mark on the history of the airline,” said Bayliss.

“Virgin Atlantic enters its next chapter with real momentum, powered by an excellent team and an exceptional brand.

“I’m looking forward to working with the board, Corneel and the leadership team, as well as the wonderful people at Virgin Atlantic who deliver the exceptional premium experiences our customers rightly expect from us.”

Norris will continue in his roles as chair of Virgin Group and Virgin Hotels.