Virgin Atlantic Strengthens Leadership Team With Richard McCord Appointment as New Chief Financial Officer

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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September 5, 2026 16:51 GMT+5:30

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Virgin Atlantic has announced the appointment of Richard McCord as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with the senior finance executive set to join the airline’s Executive Leadership Team and wider business from 5 October 2026.

In his new role, McCord will oversee Virgin Atlantic’s Finance function as the airline focuses on building stronger financial resilience, supporting sustainable and profitable expansion, continuing investment in its premium customer offering, and shaping its long-term strategic direction.

As CFO, McCord will take responsibility for several key areas, including Finance, Treasury, Procurement, Fleet, Insurance and Internal Audit. He will also join the Virgin Atlantic Board, contributing to the company’s future growth plans and business strategy.

McCord brings extensive leadership experience from across the aviation, infrastructure and energy sectors. He joins Virgin Atlantic from London Luton Airport, where he has held the position of Chief Financial Officer since 2021. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening the airport’s financial position following the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, improving commercial performance and supporting long-term growth plans.

At London Luton Airport, McCord helped enhance strategic capabilities, improve profitability and lead important negotiations aimed at increasing future capacity and supporting the airport’s expansion ambitions.

Before joining London Luton Airport, McCord spent more than ten years with Centrica plc, the FTSE 100 energy and services group, where he held several senior finance positions, including serving as CFO of Centrica’s Business Division.

He began his professional career at PwC, working in the company’s Transaction Services division, where he progressed to the role of Director and gained extensive experience in financial advisory and corporate transactions.

McCord’s appointment comes as Virgin Atlantic continues to strengthen its business foundations while focusing on operational growth, customer experience improvements and its evolving future strategy.

Corneel Koster, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, said: “A very warm welcome to Richard, who will bring a breadth of CFO and leadership experience to Virgin Atlantic. He will make a brilliant addition to our Leadership Team and Board, as we stay focused on investing for our customers, while delivering solid financial returns and value to our stakeholders in the years ahead.

“I would also like to say a huge thank you from all of us at Virgin Atlantic, and on behalf of our Board, to Ansar Hussain, who has fulfilled the role of Interim CFO since 1 January. Ansar is a great leader, who has very skilfully and professionally led us through a highly turbulent period in international aviation, while strengthening our resilience and improving our financial returns throughout. Following this highly successful interim period, we are happy to announce that we are promoting Ansar to Senior Vice President in the Finance function.”

Richard McCord, incoming CFO, Virgin Atlantic, said: “I am excited to be joining a renowned airline and special brand like Virgin Atlantic. I look forward to working with Corneel and the team to drive profitable growth, while retaining what makes Virgin Atlantic special, as we seek to be the most loved travel company.”