Virgin Atlantic Names New CEO As Weiss Steps Aside After Seven Years

LONDON—Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss is stepping down after seven years at the helm, with Corneel Koster, the airline's chief customer and operating officer, set to succeed him on Jan. 1, 2026.

During his time as CEO, Weiss guided the carrier through the pandemic, oversaw a major restructuring process and led the airline to a £20 million ($26.6 million) pre-tax profit in 2024—its first since 2016. Weiss joined Virgin Atlantic in 2014 as CFO and later served as chief commercial officer before assuming the top role in 2019.

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

Koster rejoined Virgin Atlantic in 2019 after leaving a prior role there in 2013. Since becoming chief customer and operating officer in 2020 he has overseen the airline’s operations, customer experience, and digital transformation, including the introduction of Airbus A330neo aircraft. His previous leadership roles include senior positions at Aeromexico, Delta Air Lines and KLM.

“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,” Koster says. “I’m proud to lead our talented teams into our next chapter.”

Virgin Atlantic Chairman Peter Norris says the board is “sad” to see Weiss step down but adds that Koster’s appointment will ensure continuity. “As a true customer champion, he understands what sets Virgin Atlantic apart as we continue to challenge the status quo in the years ahead,” Norris says.

The leadership change comes as Virgin Atlantic works toward completing its “Velocityx” strategic plan, which runs through the end of 2025 and aims to deliver sustainable profitability and reinforce its position as a premium transatlantic carrier. The airline reported record revenues of £3.3 billion ($4.4 billion) in 2024 and continues to expand its network with new routes to Cancun, Riyadh and Toronto, with Seoul to follow in early 2026.