Today Virgin Atlantic appointed Julie Southern as Chief Commercial Officer. The newly created board position will take responsibility for all aspects of growing the airline including network expansion, trade alliances and driving global revenues through Pricing, Sales and Marketing. Julie will also continue to lead the development of people through the HR team.

Following one of the toughest economic periods in aviation’s history, Virgin Atlantic is now turning its sights on growth and development. As Chief Financial Officer, Julie was instrumental in reshaping the business to reduce costs during the downturn and now her focus will be on driving the airline’s recovery.

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."

Julie’s promotion has also led to current Finance Director, Tim Livett being elevated to the Chief Financial Officer role. Over the last six year’s Julie has overseen Tim’s development as he has strengthened both the Finance and IT functions. Tim will now join Steve Ridgway, Julie Southern and Chief Operating Officer, Steve Griffiths on the main board.

Steve Ridgway said, "Virgin’s philosophy has always been about broadening our people’s experience and promoting talent from within so it is very pleasing to see such strong succession. Both of these appointments will ensure that Virgin Atlantic is leading the pack through the next phase of growth in the aviation industry. I would like to congratulate both Julie and Tim and wish them well in their exciting new roles."

Julie Southern has just completed a decade at Virgin Atlantic having joined the business from Porsche Cars Great Britain, where she was Group Finance Director. Prior to this Julie held a number of Finance leadership roles at WH Smith plc, having started her career in a commercial and management training role at Mars.

Tim Livett joined Virgin Atlantic in 2004 from Hudson Highland Group Inc where he was European Chief Financial Officer. Prior to this, Tim held a number of senior financial and commercial roles during an eight-year stay at British Airways plc.

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