Virgin Australia Velocity CEO stepping down
Virgin Australia’s loyalty division Velocity Frequent Flyer is on the lookout for a new head, following the impending resignation of Neil Thompson.
Virgin will launch a global search for a new loyalty CEO and Thompson will remain at the helm until a replacement is appointed.
He said he will leave to focus more time on current and future advisory roles.
Thompson has served in the role since 2012 and has overseen a membership increase of more than 1.6 million to 4.7 million members.
"Under his leadership, member numbers have grown by more than 1.6 million, member engagement has increased significantly and a number of ground-breaking initiatives have been introduced, including the world-first Points conversion with Singapore Airlines, the Australian-first Global Wallet product and major partnerships with BP, Aussie Home Loans and Australia Post," said Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti.
"Neil has done an outstanding job in delivering on all strategic targets for Velocity Frequent Flyer and has built a strong foundation for the future growth of the business."
Until 2008 Thompson was in charge of the frequent flyer business of Qantas where he worked alongside Borghetti.
Melbourne born Thompson is a Mandarin speaker and a board member of the Australian National University’s Centre for China in the World.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025