Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss to leave business

Shai Weiss is to leave his position as chief executive of Virgin Atlantic on December 31, following a seven-year tenure.

 

Chief customer and operating officer Corneel Koster will be promoted to fill the role from January 1.

 

Weiss joined Virgin Atlantic as executive vice-president and chief financial officer in July 2014 from Virgin Management Ltd, where he had been an investment partner since 2012. 

 

In January 2017 he assumed the role of executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, responsible for shaping the airline’s position in the market, driving revenue opportunities and leading the loyalty, alliances and marketing programmes.

 

More: Interview: Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss [June 24]

 

He was then promoted to the role of chief executive officer in January 2019.

 

Weiss said: “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 re-joined Virgin Atlantic in 2019 as a board member and chief customer officer, having left the company in 2013 for roles at Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines, before expanding his role to chief customer and operating officer in 2020.

 

Virgin Atlantic said he has been “instrumental in running a safe and reliable operation, leading frontline teams and delivering Virgin Atlantic’s renowned customer experience”.

 

Koster said: “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 chief executive officer.

 

“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.”

 

He added: “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.”

 

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, said Weiss has “done an outstanding job over the past seven years”.

 

He added: “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.

 

“I’m delighted to welcome Corneel as chief executive officer. He embodies the Virgin spirit – bold, curious and ready to shake up the status quo. We look forward to this exciting new chapter.”