Virgin Voyages revamps UK sales team in management restructure
Expanded role for SJ Walker while Matt Lebbern takes new position
JimMin
Virgin Voyages UK sales director SJ Walker has seen her role expanded to take overall responsibility for all aspects of trade distribution channels.
This includes strategy and account development to continue drive growth.
She will report to senior commercial advisor John Delaney, whose responsibilities have been widened from international sales distribution in the UK, Europe, and Australia to include oversight across all markets.
In other changes, Matt Lebbern has been appointed director of sales, Europe & new markets following the line adding 11 new markets for distribution across the region and a further six to be introduced.
He will also report to Delaney and be supported by Kayleigh Hilton, who joined earlier this year as business development executive.
Ben Soane, previously at Voyage Store (Aviate) and who most recently moved to the support team, becomes sales executive, Europe and new markets in a dedicated sales support function reporting to Lebbern.
Luke Day, who has been at the helm of trade engagement strategy and agent activations, has been promoted to senior manager, global trade engagement, unifying the strategy to agents across the North America and international markets.
Chris Woodcock has been appointed manager, international support, from January 1, having spearheaded operational developments within the international sales team.
“This sales leadership structure will ensure continued growth and solid support as Virgin Voyages expands its international footprint, and the much-anticipated 2025 wave season,” the line said.
Chief executive Nirmal Saverimuttu added: “These exciting updates to our sales organisation are designed to strengthen our footprint, support our growth and continue our international expansion.
“Thanks to this team’s dedication, we’ve seen tremendous growth and know that with this structure, the skies are the limit. As we look ahead to wave season, we know this team will play a crucial role with our first mate (agent) community and our overall success.”
