Virgin Australia Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Virgin Australia has 6 executives leading key functions including marketing, information technology, technology, finance, people, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to exceptional customer service, Virgin Australia delivers the world's most rewarding travel experience through extensive domestic and international networks, a modern fleet, and a leading loyalty program.

Leadership Roles at Virgin Australia

  • Chief Financial Officer - Race Strauss
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Elizabeth Minogue
  • Chief Information Officer - David Hogarth
  • Chief Technology Officer - Luis Ferreira
  • Chief People Officer - Lisa Burquest
  • Chief Operations Officer - Christopher Snook
  • Race Strauss - Chief Financial Officer

    Race Strauss, the Chief Financial Officer at Virgin Australia, directs the airline's financial planning, reporting, and investment strategies. Overseeing all fiscal operations, Strauss ensures robust financial health and sustainable growth across domestic and international markets. This leadership role involves managing budgets, optimizing capital allocation, and mitigating financial risks. By maintaining stringent financial controls, Race Strauss directly impacts the airline's profitability and its capacity to invest in fleet modernization and network expansion. Ultimately, Strauss safeguards the company's financial integrity and supports strategic decision-making through accurate financial insights. The Chief Financial Officer's purview includes treasury, accounting, and financial analysis, providing critical data to support the airline's operational and strategic objectives. Strauss's guidance is essential for navigating the complexities of the global aviation finance landscape.

    Elizabeth Minogue - Chief Marketing Officer

    Elizabeth Minogue, the Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin Australia, directs all brand strategy and customer engagement initiatives. Overseeing global marketing campaigns, Minogue ensures alignment with the company's mission to deliver the world's most rewarding travel experience. This leadership role involves expanding market share through innovative digital and traditional advertising. By optimizing the customer journey, Elizabeth Minogue directly impacts brand perception and loyalty. Ultimately, Minogue secures long-term brand equity and drives customer acquisition across domestic and international markets. The Chief Marketing Officer's purview includes all advertising, public relations, and digital marketing efforts, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand narrative that resonates with Virgin Australia's diverse customer base. Minogue's strategic vision guides the development of marketing programs that highlight the airline's commitment to exceptional service and its extensive network of over 450 destinations through strategic partnerships.

    David Hogarth - Chief Information Officer

    David Hogarth, the Chief Information Officer at Virgin Australia, architects the airline's comprehensive IT infrastructure and digital transformation strategies. Overseeing all technology operations, Hogarth ensures robust and secure systems that support Virgin Australia's extensive flight network and cargo services. This leadership role involves enhancing operational efficiency through advanced technological solutions. By optimizing data management and cybersecurity, David Hogarth directly impacts the reliability and performance of all digital platforms. Ultimately, Hogarth ensures the technological backbone of the airline supports seamless customer experiences and internal operations. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities extend to managing all IT resources, including hardware, software, and network systems, ensuring they are scalable and aligned with the company's growth objectives. Hogarth's focus on innovation drives the implementation of new technologies that improve operational workflows and enhance the Velocity Frequent Flyer program's digital offerings.

    Luis Ferreira - Chief Technology Officer

    Luis Ferreira, the Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Australia, spearheads the development and implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions across the organization. Overseeing all technology research and development, Ferreira ensures Virgin Australia remains at the forefront of aviation innovation. This leadership role involves evaluating and integrating new technologies to enhance operational capabilities and customer experience. By driving technological advancements, Luis Ferreira directly impacts the airline's competitive edge and its ability to offer a rewarding travel experience. Ultimately, Ferreira guides the strategic technological roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives and industry best practices. The Chief Technology Officer's domain includes exploring emerging technologies, managing the technology lifecycle, and fostering a culture of innovation within the IT department. Ferreira's expertise is critical in optimizing the performance of Virgin Australia's modern fleet and its complex operational systems.

    Lisa Burquest - Chief People Officer

    Lisa Burquest, the Chief People Officer at Virgin Australia, leads all human resources functions, talent management, and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing the employee experience, Burquest cultivates a culture that supports Virgin Australia's commitment to exceptional customer service and operational excellence. This leadership role involves developing strategies for recruitment, retention, and employee engagement across a diverse workforce. By fostering a positive and productive work environment, Lisa Burquest directly impacts employee morale and the delivery of superior customer interactions. Ultimately, Burquest ensures the airline has the skilled and motivated talent necessary to achieve its strategic goals. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities encompass employee relations, compensation and benefits, and leadership development, all crucial for supporting the airline's extensive network and its award-winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program.
    Lisa Burquest

    Christopher Snook - Chief Operations Officer

    Christopher Snook, the Chief Operations Officer at Virgin Australia, directs the airline's day-to-day operational activities, including flight scheduling, ground handling, and fleet management. Overseeing the complex logistics of air travel, Snook ensures the safe, efficient, and punctual execution of all flights across Australia and internationally. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows and managing resources to meet demand and maintain service standards. By enhancing operational efficiency, Christopher Snook directly impacts customer satisfaction and the airline's overall profitability. Ultimately, Snook guarantees the seamless functioning of the airline's extensive network and its charter and cargo services. The Chief Operations Officer's purview includes safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and the coordination of all operational departments, ensuring Virgin Australia delivers on its promise of a rewarding travel experience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Virgin Australia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Virgin Australia?
    Virgin Australia is led by Race Strauss (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Elizabeth Minogue (Chief Marketing Officer) and David Hogarth (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Virgin Australia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Virgin Australia includes leaders such as Race Strauss (Chief Financial Officer), Elizabeth Minogue (Chief Marketing Officer), David Hogarth (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Virgin Australia have?
    Virgin Australia has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Virgin Australia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Virgin Australia includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief People Officer.