Steve Ridgway

Steve Ridgway served as the CEO of Virgin Atlantic for over a decade, transforming the airline with his innovation, unique business acumen and management style. His name has been etched into the British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame since 2013, exemplifying how valuable his expertise in the travel & transport field is. Steve is now available to hire as a keynote speaker for a wide range of events, sharing his experiences in business, strategy and innovation.

With a degree in Economics from the University of London, Steve joined Miami’s Toleman Group as Business Development Manager. In 1990, Steve was appointed Managing Director of Virgin Freeway. Under his stewardship, Virgin Freeway launched the UK’s first automated frequent flyer programme. Proving his mettle as an innovative thinker, Steve’s journey Board Director to Managing Director of Virgin Atlantic spanned less than half a decade – an incredible achievement. Along with Sir Richard Branson, Steve set the airline on a path to incredible success.

Appointed CEO of Virgin Atlantic in 2001, Steve’s tenure at the organisation in marked by incredible achievements. A visionary in every sense, during his tenure, the airline grew from a mere two Boeing 747 aircrafts to a fleet of 40 aircrafts that can be operated for long haul flights. Despite global challenges in the aviation industry such as the 9/11 attacks, Steve maintained the airline’s reputation as a safe choice. Underneath the success of Virgin Atlantic, lay Steve’s proclivity for making it one of the most innovative and trustworthy airlines. For his contributions to the aviation industry, Steve was appointed CBE in the 2006 New Year’s Honours List.

Steve stepped down as CEO of Virgin Atlantic in 2013, after a 23-year long stint at the helm of the UK’s second largest long-haul carrier. Since then, he has served in various prominent roles such as Chairman of Scandlines – a stalwart in Baltic Sea ferry operations. In 2017, Steve was appointed the Chair of the British Tourist Authority (Visit Britain/Visit England), owing to his stellar career in the tourism & transport industry. Steve Ridgway is regarded as one of the most respected names in the industry and is now available to share stories related to business, travel & transport, leadership and innovation when hired to speak at a wide variety of events. His talks are nothing short of inspirational and you are bound to leave with a new outlook on business and life.