Virgin Atlantic has promoted chief financial officer Julie Southern to the newly created board position of chief commercial officer to drive the airline’s recovery.
Southern has been given responsibility for all aspects of growing the airline including network expansion, trade alliances and driving global revenues through pricing, sales and marketing.
She was previously responsible for reshaping the business and reducing costs during the recession.
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway said: “This promotion and change of emphasis for Julie will enable Virgin Atlantic to change gear in its recovery from recession.
"Julie’s expertise has enabled the business to steer a course through some very difficult times but now we can utilise her strengths at the front end of the business, driving new relationships, revenues and ultimately our growth strategy.”
Finance director Tim Livett has been promoted to replace Southern as chief financial officer.
By Linsey McNeill
