Virgin Atlantic announces transition of chairman | News
The board of Virgin Atlantic today announced that Peter Norris will step down as chairman on May 31, 2026, after fourteen years in the role. He will be succeeded at Virgin Atlantic by Josh Bayliss, CEO of Virgin Group.
Peter has been Chairman of Virgin Atlantic since 2012 and has guided Virgin Atlantic through one of its key defining periods. He has worked with successive management teams to shape the airline’s strategy, strengthen partnerships and champion its distinctive brand, service and people.
During his tenure, Peter played a pivotal role in forging strategic partnerships, including the creation of the industry-leading transatlantic joint venture with shareholder Delta Air Lines and with Air France-KLM; joining the SkyTeam alliance and developing its partnership with Virgin Red, the Virgin Rewards club and loyalty partner. He led the board through the unprecedented impact of the pandemic and oversaw the restructuring and recapitalization, which saw the airline emerge focused, resilient and ready for the future.
Corneel Koster, CEO of Virgin Atlantic said: “Peter has been an insightful and forward-thinking Chairman in the Virgin Atlantic story for many significant years. Both in times of growth and in the face of extraordinary challenges, his leadership provided clarity, calm conviction and deep commitment to our people, our brand and our business. We are immensely grateful for his lasting contribution, which has laid the strategic foundations on which we will continue to build and challenge the status quo. I look forward to working closely with Josh as the new Chairman and to build Virgin Atlantic’s next chapter together.”
Peter Norris said: “It has been my great privilege to work with this team. Virgin Atlantic has survived and thrived despite extraordinary challenges. We have introduced innovations that have benefited customers immensely and we remain committed to the core values established when we were founded. We will serve our customers better, and we will make it rewarding and fun for them, and for all our colleagues and partners.
“I leave with the conviction I started with: our greatest strength is our people – their dedication to our customers and each other, and their unparalleled spirit. I am proud of all we have accomplished together. Josh is an exceptional leader and I know he will continue to foster our culture and values. We have a bright future ahead.”
Josh will take up the role in June and brings extensive leadership experience from Virgin Group, where he has been CEO since 2011, leading group strategy, with a focus on the Virgin brand and diversifying the group’s investment portfolio.
“Peter has been a remarkable leader who has left an indelible mark on the airline’s history. Virgin Atlantic enters its next chapter with real momentum, powered by an outstanding team and an exceptional brand. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, Corneel and the leadership team, as well as the great people at Virgin Atlantic who deliver the exceptional premium experiences our customers rightly expect from us,” said Josh Bayliss.
Peter will continue in his role as Chairman of Virgin Group and Virgin Hotels.
