Shane Lewis-Riley has stepped down from his position at Virgin Voyages to embrace new opportunities.
- During his six-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding Virgin Voyages’ international sales framework.
- The company acknowledged his significant contributions and the strong team he built during his time.
- Former Windstar Cruises president, John Delaney, will continue to serve as a senior advisor in the international market.
- Shane Lewis-Riley expressed gratitude for his time with the Virgin Voyages team and their collective successes.
Shane Lewis-Riley, the esteemed vice president of international sales for Virgin Voyages, has moved on to pursue new challenges. His departure marks the end of a notable chapter in Virgin Voyages’ history. As he steps into new ventures, the cruising industry takes a moment to reflect on his impactful legacy.
During his six years at Virgin Voyages, Lewis-Riley was instrumental in establishing the brand’s footprints in the international market. As the first international employee, his efforts in building a robust sales framework have been widely appreciated. His leadership undoubtedly set a high benchmark for industry standards.
Virgin Voyages acknowledged the significant strides made under his leadership. John Delaney, former president of Windstar Cruises, alongside Sarah-Jane Walker and Matt Lebbern, will maintain the momentum in guiding Virgin Voyages’ sales internationally. The transition is expected to sustain the progress achieved during Lewis-Riley’s tenure.
In expressing his reflections, Lewis-Riley conveyed deep gratitude towards his team and partners. “I am so proud of my incredible team who continually raise the bar and exceeded expectations,” he stated. His pride in the cohesive team and the successful outcomes achieved together is evident.
Nirmal Saverimuttu, the chief executive of Virgin Voyages, remarked on the foundational role Lewis-Riley played in establishing the brand’s strong connections in the UK and international markets. His commitment to building a dedicated team of professionals has been a cornerstone of Virgin Voyages’ international strategy.
Prior to his influential role at Virgin Voyages, Lewis-Riley garnered experience with positions at P&O Cruises and as director of UK partnerships for Carnival UK. His career trajectory has showcased a consistent focus on innovation and relationship-building within the cruise industry.
Shane Lewis-Riley’s departure is a notable shift in Virgin Voyages’ international sales team, but his legacy will continue to inspire future endeavours.
