The carrier announced two critical appointments to their senior leadership team. Estelle Hollingsworth will become the UK carrier’s Chief People Officer, while Oliver Byers has been in the role of Chief Financial Officer since September 2020.
On Tuesday (November 24, 2020), Virgin Atlantic announced the appointment of two new members to their critical leadership team. The UK carrier has appointed Estelle Hollingsworth as Chief People Officer, while Oliver Byers has been the airline’s Chief Financial Officer since September 2020. In her role as Chief People Officer, Estelle Hollingsworth will be responsible for ensuring the carrier’s people thrive at work through inclusive experiences that energize teams and drive Virgin Atlantic’s vision to be the most loved travel company.
Ms. Hollingsworth brings over 25 years of People experience to the role and previously served as Vice President – Cabin, where she led the airline’s cabin crew. Estelle joined Virgin Atlantic as Vice President – People Experience, with responsibilities for talent, leadership, development and learning across the company. Prior to joining the airline, Ms. Hollingsworth was the UK Director of Talent and Organizational Effectiveness at BAE Systems. In Tuesday’s announcement, Virgin Atlantic’s new Chief People Officer, Estelle Hollingsworth, said,
“The unique spirit, and innovation of our people at Virgin Atlantic is what differentiates us. I feel so privileged to be moving into the role of Chief People Officer, where my focus will be to recognize what we have been through together as a company this year and to create a unique people experience, to be the best at what we do and ultimately delight each and every one of our customers.”
Oliver Byers was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in September 2020, following his instrumental role in securing Virgin Atlantic’s successful private-only recapitalization. In his new role, Mr. Byers will focus on rebuilding the company’s balance sheet for a successful and sustainable future. Oliver brings over 10 years of commercial aviation experience from Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Group to his new position as CFO having served in leadership roles including SVP – Global Sales and Loyalty, SVP – Data and Customer Loyalty and Chief of Staff. Mr. Byers currently serves as an alternate Board Member for the company. Commenting on his new role as Virgin Atlantic’s CFO, Oliver Byers said,
“I am proud and excited to be taking on the Chief Financial Officer role at a crucial moment in the history of aviation and look forward to working with the Leadership Team to drive Virgin Atlantic through economic recovery and back to profitability.”
Also commenting on the new leadership team appointments, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Executive Officer Shai Weiss, added,
“The Covid-19 crisis has shown that now more than ever, it is our amazing people that sets us apart. Following the most challenging year in our history, we now have the Leadership Team in place to drive our march forward at pace. Estelle and Oliver both bring deep knowledge and expertise in their specific fields. They will do an amazing job leading our teams, as we continue to return to our very best for our people and our customers.”
The two internal appointments announced yesterday complete Virgin Atlantic’s Leadership team and the promotions were effective immediately.
Source: Virgin Atlantic