Virgin Australia today announced the appointment of Judith Crompton to the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer.

This role will have responsibility for Alliances, Network, Revenue Management and Sales, covering Virgin Australia’s domestic and international network.

Ms Crompton has more than 30 years’ experience in the aviation and travel industry, gained with some of the largest companies in Australia, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said: “Virgin Australia has made significant progress with our Game Change Program strategy and the creation of the Chief Commercial Officer role is a key part of the next phase of this strategy.

“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Judith Crompton to this important role. Judith has extensive executive management experience across a range of different commercial functions in the aviation and travel industry. I am very confident she has the right skills and expertise to deliver on the commercial objectives of the group”, Mr Borghetti said.

Prior to joining Virgin Australia in 2012 as Group Executive of Sales, Ms Crompton held the position of Head of Global Corporate Sales at Etihad Airways. She was responsible for the overall strategic direction and implementation of commercial sales for the airline globally, as well as representing Etihad to various stakeholders and the public. She has previously held senior sales and general management positions with Qantas in Australia, as well as with other major global travel companies including TQ3 Navigant and Flight Centre Ltd.

“I am thrilled to be taking up the role of Chief Commercial Officer at such an exciting time for the airline. Over the past couple of years, Virgin Australia has built a robust platform for growth and I look forward to working with the rest of the Executive Committee and the talented team of people at Virgin Australia to bring the airline to the next level”, Ms Crompton said.

Ms Crompton has served on numerous industry bodies and advisory boards throughout her career.