Virgin Voyages Boosts Travel Advisor Support With New Leadership
Virgin Voyages has announced key leadership changes and a refreshed sales organization to reinforce its commitment to travel advisors, or “First Mates,” as the brand calls its trade partners. The move comes on the heels of record-breaking trade growth and a sold-out Ultimate First Mate Voyage, signaling the cruise line’s intensified focus on advisor relationships as a core growth strategy.
To lead its new agency and business development efforts, Virgin Voyages has appointed industry veteran Koreen McNutt as Vice President of Agency & Business Development. With over 30 years of experience across MSC Cruises, Expedia Group, Holland America Line, and Windstar Cruises, McNutt is set to enhance advisor engagement and build new strategic pathways for the cruise line and its partners.
Kristy Woolums will serve as the Senior Director of National Strategic Accounts for North America, taking charge of key national account partnerships and representing the brand at major industry events. Her role will be central in maintaining Virgin’s visibility and building rapport with top-performing advisors.
Stephen Hopkins, already Vice President of Growth and International Sales & Marketing, will expand his responsibilities to include Sales Acceleration. He will now oversee sales enablement, trade marketing, and partner engagement, creating a more cohesive support system for Virgin’s global advisor network.
These changes are part of a larger strategy to unify the commercial structure under Chief Marketing Officer Nathan Rosenberg. By aligning sales and marketing, Virgin Voyages aims to provide consistent, cross-functional support and reduce friction for travel advisors at every step of the sales journey.
The cruise line emphasized that the revamped team will deliver better tools, more efficient support, and tailored resources to boost advisor success. CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu praised the timing of the announcement during First Mate Appreciation Month, highlighting the crucial role advisors have played in Virgin’s success. “Their feedback has helped guide our investments, and their loyalty fuels our future,” Saverimuttu said.
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