Corneel Koster to Succeed Shai Weiss as Virgin Atlantic’s CEO
- Joe Breitfeller
- Oct 13
- 4 min read
Virgin Atlantic has today announced that Shai Weiss will step down as the carrier’s CEO on December 31, 2025, and will be succeeded by Corneel Koster effective January 1, 2026.
On Monday (October 13, 2025), Virgin Atlantic announced that the company’s Board has approved a succession plan for the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Shai Weiss. Following a successful seven-year tenure, Mr. Weiss will step down as CEO and leave the airline on December 31, 2025. He will be succeeded by Corneel Koster effective January 1, 2026. Mr. 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.
In Monday’s announcement, Virgin Atlantic’s Founder, Sir Branson, said,
“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.”
Also commenting on the airline’s succession plan, Virgin Atlantic’s Chairman, Peter Norris, said,
“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.”
Further commenting on the airline’s leadership transition, joint venture partner Delta Air Lines’ CEO, Ed Bastian, said,
“Shai has been a valued partner and good friend to Delta as we worked side by side over the years to build the leading trans-Atlantic joint venture. On behalf of the 100,000 Delta people worldwide, I want to thank him for his leadership, his friendship, and his commitment to our values of always putting people first. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Virgin Atlantic under the leadership of Corneel Koster as we transform the travel experience in the years ahead.”
Also commenting on the leadership transition, Virgin Atlantic’s outgoing CEO, Shai Weiss, said,
“I want to congratulate Corneel 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.
“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.”
Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer and Operating Officer, and future CEO, Corneel Koster, added,
“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.
“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.”
In an aviation industry career spanning three decades, Corneel Koster has held senior operational and commercial roles at Virgin Atlantic and partners Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico and KLM, contributing to his deep understanding and passion for travel and aviation. From 2010 through 2013, Mr. Koster held the position of Director of Operations, Safety and Security at Virgin Atlantic.
Shai Weiss became Virgin Atlantic’s CEO in January 2019, steering the Company through the COVID-19 pandemic, completing a full transformation, and delivering record performance in 2024. He joined the carrier as Chief Financial Officer in 2014, and later served as Chief Commercial Officer. During his tenure, Virgin Atlantic 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).
Source: Virgin Atlantic
