Virgin Voyages has announced strategic investments in its sales organization structure in a move to support and strengthen its partnership with travel advisors.
Recently celebrating record-breaking trade growth and a sold-out Ultimate First Mate Voyage, the award-winning adults-only cruise line founded by Richard Branson, Virgin's evolution includes important leadership appointments and an integrated commercial approach aimed at providing "enhanced support, specialized expertise and accelerated growth opportunities" for its travel advisor partners, affectionately known as First Mates.
Koreen McNutt joins Virgin Voyages as Vice President of Agency & Business Development, bringing more than three decades of industry expertise to help the line enhance travel advisor relationships and develop new pathways to success for the brand and advisors alike.
Koreen McNutt, Vice President of Agency & Business Development, Virgin Voyages. (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)
McNutt joins Virgin from MSC Cruises but has also held leadership roles with Expedia Group, Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises.
Meanwhile, Kristy Woolums will step into the role of Senior Director of National Strategic Accounts, North America.
In addition to guiding Virgin's Red Hot national account partnerships, Woolums will serve as the cruise line's key representative at major events and industry get-togethers.
Kristy Woolums, Senior Director of National Strategic Accounts, North America, Virgin Voyages. (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)
Stephen Hopkins is expanding his role as Vice President of Growth and International Sales & Marketing to include Sales Acceleration. As a result, Hopkins will be tasked with overseeing the integration of sales enablement, trade marketing and partner engagement initiatives.
Stephen Hopkins, Vice President of Growth and International Sales & Marketing, Virgin Voyages. (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)
These efforts are "designed to deliver stronger tools, more streamlined support, and enhanced resources for Virgin Voyages¡¯ global network of travel partners," the cruise line said.
The new-look unified commercial team will work under Chief Marketing Officer Nathan Rosenberg's leadership, bringing together sales and marketing so advisors can receive support across all touchpoints.
Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Marketing Officer, Virgin Voyages. (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)
"By working in better coordination across our brand story, marketing strategy and sales execution, we reduce mixed messages and disconnected experiences for our First Mates," Rosenberg said in a statement. "This creates integrated strategies that make it easier for them to sell Virgin Voyages successfully, helping us all make ship happen together."
"During First Mate Appreciation Month, there's no better time to announce these investments in building our partnership's future together," added Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu.
"First Mates aren't just important to Virgin Voyages¡ªthey are key to our growth and future. Our sold-out Ultimate First Mate Voyage demonstrates the incredible strength of this partnership, and these leadership appointments reflect our commitment to the advisors who have helped us build this company from day one," he added. "As we always say, feedback is a gift, and their success has taught us exactly where to invest next."
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