Virgin Atlantic has announced that Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, will become chair of the airline from June 1, 2026, as the carrier further aligns its strategy with that of its parent group. He will succeed Peter Norris, who is stepping down as Virgin Atlantic chair on May 31, 2026, after around 14 years in the role.
Bayliss has led Virgin Group since 2011, overseeing group strategy, brand development and the diversification of the group’s investment portfolio. His appointment brings the group’s top executive into a formal governance role at the airline, which is jointly owned by Virgin Group and Delta Air Lines.
According to the company, Norris will remain chair of Virgin Group and Virgin Hotels, ensuring continuity at the holding level while passing the airline chairmanship to Bayliss. The move comes as Virgin Atlantic continues to refine its network, deepen partnerships — including its close cooperation with Delta and membership in SkyTeam — and pursue a long-term sustainability strategy anchored by a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
The chairman transition places Virgin Group’s strategic leadership closer to day-to-day oversight of the airline at a time of ongoing fleet simplification, partnership-driven growth and competitive pressure on transatlantic and long-haul markets.