Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson announces new airline CEO

Virgin Atlantic has announced the airline’s new CEO, replacing Shai Weiss who has led the company since January 2019. 

On October 13, 2025, the founder of Virgin Atlantic Sir Richard Branson confirmed that the carrier’s current Chief Customer and Operating Officer, Corneel Koster, would succeed Weiss as of January 1, 2026. 

“Shai has done an outstanding job over the past seven years,” Branson said. “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.”  

He added: “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.” 

Virgin Atlantic said that Koster, who rejoined the company in 2019 as CCO, had been “instrumental in running a safe and reliable operation” and had played a “pivotal role ensuring the airline emerged from the pandemic thriving and reliable”. 

Koster also led the introduction of the Airbus A330neo aircraft and delivered digital operational transformation. 

As well as Virgin Atlantic, Koster has held senior roles at Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico and KLM. 

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 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 added: “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.” 

Weiss joined the airline as Chief Financial Officer in 2014 and later served as Chief Commercial Officer.    

During his tenure, the airline returned to profitability, and he led customer satisfaction, which saw Virgin rated each year as the UK’s only Global Five Star operator by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). 

“I leave Virgin Atlantic full of pride, knowing I have played a part in its bright red history,” Weiss said. “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.” 

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