Virgin Voyages has promoted Matt Lebbern to Market Director for Europe and Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), effective immediately.
The promotion recognises his influence across the brand’s commercial performance beyond sales, leading commercial strategy across two regions delivering standout growth: Europe is on course for a record year with revenue tracking 27% ahead of last year, while ANZ is tracking 30% ahead.
Mr Lebbern has been instrumental in building momentum across both regions.
In Europe, he opened up distribution across the region and established the brand in new markets.
In Australia, he’s spent the past year reshaping how the brand operates, removing barriers to growth and laying the groundwork for what comes next.
In July, that groundwork gained a face on the ground with the arrival of 20-year industry veteran David Clark as Head of Sales, Australia & New Zealand, the first Virgin Voyages team member based in the country.
Mr Clark reports to Lebbern, whose brief across both regions is to lead trade sales strategy. More Aussie talent will be joining the company, with news on further appointments to drop in Q4.
Mr Lebbern will oversee sales, trade partnerships, distribution and market development across Europe and ANZ, while providing strategic direction for trade engagement, PR and international marketing.
He will continue reporting to Stephen Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Growth and International Sales & Marketing.
“Europe and ANZ are both firing and it’s a joy to be leading them,” said Mr Lebbern.
“Europe is heading for a record year, on top of a very successful 2025, and ANZ is up 30%, with Sailors booking further ahead than ever before, with average lead times of 12 months.
“While we continue to focus on our growth in Europe, the last year has been about removing barriers and laying foundations for growth in Australia, and having David on the ground says we’re here for the long haul.
“You’ll be seeing a lot more of us across both regions: in market, in front of First Mates and at the heart of the trade community…with another team member coming soon in Australia!
“Our First Mates are the driving force behind our growth and our job now is to keep giving them everything they need to sell us with confidence.”
