Virgin Australia today announced the appointment of Judith Crompton to the newly created role of Group Executive Sales at Virgin Australia, commencing 1 August 2012.

This role has been developed to spearhead Virgin Australia’s domestic and global sales growth and will oversee all corporate, government, industry and leisure sales, including eCommerce, Blue Holidays and Call Centres, covering both Virgin’s domestic and international network. Virgin Australia engaged executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles to conduct an internal and external global search for the role.

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

Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti said: “I am delighted to welcome Judith to Virgin Australia. Judith will report directly to me and be part of the Executive committee.

“Now that we have achieved significant progress in repositioning Virgin Australia as the airline of choice in Australia, driving sales and developing client relationships across all parts of the business is a key focus for our business.

“Judith’s depth of experience in global sales, together with her extensive senior executive management career in the travel and aviation industries, will prove a great asset to Virgin Australia”, Mr Borghetti said.

Judith most recently 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.

Prior to her appointment with Etihad Airways, Judith was Regional General Manager - UK and Ireland for Qantas Airways Ltd. 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.

Judith has completed a number of advanced management courses throughout her career as well as serving on numerous industry bodies and advisory boards.