Virgin Group’s chief brand and marketing officer Claire Hilton is stepping down after six years at the helm.
Virgin Group’s chief brand and marketing officer Claire Hilton is stepping down after six years, as the company appoints its first chief experience officer.
After 30 years in executive leadership and six years leading Virgin’s marketing, Hilton will transition into a portfolio and advisory career from 1 September and will continue to report into Josh Bayliss, Virgin Group CEO, focusing on business transformation.
“I am thrilled to be starting the next chapter of my career, still very much part of the Virgin family – helping to shape and transform this wonderful brand in an advisory capacity alongside being chair of Virgin StartUp and a NED at the Advertising Standards Authority,” she said.
Former global CMO of design agency AKQA Sam Kelly will step into the role of chief experience officer to lead brand and marketing across Virgin Group, while focusing on customer experience.
Kelly spent 18 years at AKQA, first joining as business development manager in 2008. He has also worked with the extended Virgin Group whilst in agency roles and as a consultant.
The leadership changes come as Virgin continues to “expand and innovate” and prioritise customer experience, said Bayliss.
“Sam’s strategic vision and creative passion are exactly what we need to lead Virgin into the next era of unforgettable customer experiences,” he added.
