Steve Ridgway CBE is a distinguished figure in aviation and business, recognised for his innovative leadership and strategic expertise. As the former CEO of Virgin Atlantic, Steve played a pivotal role in expanding the airline’s fleet from two Boeing 747s to 40 long-haul aircraft. His tenure, lasting over a decade from 2001 to 2013, saw the airline navigate some of the industry's most challenging periods, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Steve’s approach to leadership and his commitment to innovation helped position Virgin Atlantic as a global brand admired for both its service and forward-thinking business strategies.
Before his time as CEO, Steve had a long history with Virgin, joining in 1989. Just a year later, he was appointed Managing Director of Virgin Freeway, where he launched the UK’s first automated frequent flyer programme. His career rapidly progressed as he became a Board Director in 1994, eventually becoming Managing Director of Virgin Atlantic in 1998. His collaboration with Sir Richard Branson during these years was instrumental in shaping the airline's success. Steve’s background in Economics, combined with his early business development roles at companies like the Toleman Group and Cougar Marine, provided a solid foundation for his later accomplishments.
Beyond his work with Virgin Atlantic, Steve has continued to be a prominent figure in the transport and tourism industries. After stepping down from his role at Virgin, he became Chairman of Scandlines, a major operator in the Baltic Sea ferry sector, in 2014. Furthermore, in 2017, Steve was appointed Chair of the British Tourist Authority (Visit Britain/Visit England), reflecting his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the travel and hospitality industries. His contributions to aviation and tourism have been widely acknowledged, including his induction into the British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2013 and his appointment as a CBE in the 2006 New Year’s Honours.
As a keynote speaker, Steve Ridgway draws from decades of experience at the forefront of business, strategy, and innovation. His insights into leadership, particularly in challenging times, provide invaluable lessons for a wide range of industries. Whether speaking about aviation, business transformation, or tourism, Steve’s talks are renowned for being both engaging and inspirational, making him a sought-after speaker for events around the world.
