Virgin Atlantic appoints Chief Digital & Information Officer to accelerate digital innovation
Virgin Atlantic has today announced Alex Alexander to the new role of Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO), joining the travel company from 13 April 2026 to lead its next phase of digital transformation as a premium, long haul flag carrier.
Alex brings two decades of stellar experience spanning aviation, retail and AI-driven digital platforms, including Group Chief Technology Officer at Emirates Group, Group Chief Product & Technology Officer at Adevinta, and Group Chief Information Officer at YOOX NET-A-PORTER, as well as leadership roles at WalmartLabs and more recently, Founder and CEO of XOOTS, a suite of AI solutions for talent recruitment.
As CDIO, Alex will lead Technology, Digital Development, Data, Artificial Intelligence and Transformation to power innovation across the business and shape technology strategy at an enterprise-level, as a member of the executive Leadership Team. Virgin Atlantic continues to invest in technology and AI capabilities as a powerful enabler to enhance customer experience, deliver operational excellence, unlock revenue opportunities and boost productivity, in partnership with several key strategic technology partners including Microsoft and Databricks. Earlier this month, the airline launched its new app, integrating with Virgin Atlantic Concierge - an AI-powered always-on travel planning companion.
Corneel Koster, CEO, Virgin Atlantic said: “We’re excited to welcome Alex as we step up efforts to deliver a seamless digital experience to our customers and our people. His deep expertise in digital transformation, advanced analytics and AI adoption will further support Virgin Atlantic in harnessing cutting-edge technology to plan smarter, operate more efficiently and serve our customers more personally, alongside our amazing people.”
Alex Alexander, said: “Innovation is firmly in the DNA of Virgin Atlantic and I’m delighted to join such an iconic brand. We have a huge opportunity to accelerate our digital journey and to scale up industry-leading AI capabilities. I’m really looking forward to leading the team as we harness technology to enhance the customer experience, drive operational excellence and power the airline’s next chapter.”
Nick Diesel, who took on additional responsibility as interim CDIO during the recruitment process, will continue in his existing full-time role of Managing Director, Virgin Atlantic Cargo from 1 June.
ENDS
For further information please visit www.virginatlantic.com. For further press information please email press.office@fly.virgin.com
About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2025, the airline was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the ninth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 9,250 people worldwide, flying customers to 28 destinations throughout the year.
Alongside shareholder and partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in 2023, as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing SkyTeam’s transatlantic network to and from London Heathrow and Manchester.
Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age of 6.9yrs. In 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed its first A330-900’s to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, X and Instagram @virginatlantic.