Expanded international sales and marketing role in Virgin Voyages management shake-up

A series of management changes at Virgin Voyages sees Stephen Hopkins expand his role as vice president of growth and international sales & marketing to include sales acceleration.

He will oversee the integration of sales enablement, trade marketing, and partner engagement initiatives - designed to deliver stronger tools, more streamlined support, and enhanced resources for the line’s global network of travel partners, according to the company.

The enhanced structure creates a unified commercial team under chief marketing officer Nathan Rosenberg’s leadership, “breaking down traditional silos between sales and marketing to ensure first mates [agents] receive cohesive support across all touchpoints”.

Rosenberg said: "By working in better co-ordination across our brand story, marketing strategy and sales execution, we reduce mixed messages and disconnected experiences for our first mates.

"This creates integrated strategies that make it easier for them to sell Virgin Voyages successfully.”

A statement from the adults-only brand added: “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.”

In what is being described as a “strategic evolution”, Koreen McNutt, former MSC Cruises commercial officer in the US, joins Virgin Voyages with more than 30 years of cruise industry experience as agency & business development vice president.

Prior to MSC, she spent 16 years at Expedia Group, rising to senior director of global cruise supply, leading global commercial partnerships and supplier strategy. She also spent 13 years at Holland America Line/Windstar Cruises, where she led product and project management initiatives.

McNutt said: “Virgin Voyages has consistently proven their commitment to travel advisors isn’t just talk - it’s built into their DNA.

“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."