Virgin Atlantic names new CEO as Weiss steps down after seven years

The Virgin Atlantic Board has announced a succession plan for the airline’s CEO Shai Weiss.

After a seven-year tenure, Weiss will stand down as chief executive and leave the airline on Dec. 31, 2025, according to a press release.

Corneel Koster will succeed Weiss and become CEO on Jan. 1, 2026.

Koster re-joined Virgin Atlantic in 2019 as board member and chief customer officer, expanding his role to chief customer and operating officer in 2020.

“He has been instrumental in running a safe and reliable operation, leading frontline teams and delivering Virgin Atlantic’s renowned customer experience,” the airline said, adding that he played a pivotal role in ensuring the airline survived the pandemic, while leading the introduction of the A330neo aircraft and delivering digital operational transformation.

Spanning three decades, Koster has leadership experience in the sector, holding senior operational and commercial roles at Virgin Atlantic and partners Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico and KLM.

Between 2010 and 2013, Koster was director of operations, safety and security at Virgin Atlantic.

Weiss became CEO in January 2019, steering the airline through the pandemic, completing a full transformation and delivering record performance in 2024.

He joined the airline as chief financial officer in 2014 and later served as chief commercial officer.

During his tenure, the airline returned to profitability, has led customer satisfaction across the Atlantic, was rated each year as the UK’s only Global Five Star operator by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), and as No1 Most Loved Workplace by Newsweek.

“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. 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,” said Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, in a statement.

Peter Norris, chair of Virgin Atlantic, added: “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.”

In a statement, Weiss congratulated Koster 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,” 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 said he’s 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,” he said.

“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.”

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