Kristy Woolums, Virgin Voyages (Photo Credit: Kristy Woolums)
Bio
Kristy Woolums spent the past eight years helping build Virgin Voyages from the ground up, joining the brand’s original sales team as it prepared to make its debut in the cruise industry. Since then, she’s helped shape what’s next and grow the brand’s national accounts strategy as Senior Director of National & Strategic Accounts, North America. Woolums also represents Virgin Voyages at national conferences and industry events.
Kristy Woolums is 35 years old.
“To be recognized alongside so many talented people in an industry I absolutely love is such an honor!” Woolums said. “I've been lucky to work with amazing people who have challenged me, believed in me, and made the journey so much fun along the way. Getting to help build a brand I'm genuinely passionate about has been incredibly rewarding. Even better has been watching our partners and their businesses grow right alongside us. That's what makes this industry so special! It's the people, the relationships, and the wins we get to celebrate together. I'm proud of what we've accomplished and love that I get to be part of what's next!”
Industry References
“Kristy has been with Virgin Voyages for eight years, and during that time she built our National Account division essentially from the ground up - growing it from an idea into a fully formed team and a real engine for the business,” said Koreen McNutt, Vice President, North America Trade Sales, Virgin Voyages. “That kind of build is hard. It takes someone who can think strategically about where a business needs to go and also do the unglamorous work of putting the structure, relationships, and people in place to get it there. Kristy has done both, and the division she has built continues to be central to how we grow.
“Today, she personally manages our largest partners - accounts that represent a majority of our overall revenue - and does so with a level of trust and care that keeps those relationships strong year after year. I have come to rely on Kristy a great deal; she is someone I count on to partner with me, think through problems alongside me, and help carry the load of running this business,” continued McNutt.
“As a strategic partner, Kristy consistently brings fresh, out-of-the-box ideas and creative strategies to drive growth,” explained Julie Howard, Vice President of Partnerships at Avoya Travel. “She has an exceptional understanding of the travel trade and an incredible ability to translate industry insights into meaningful opportunities. She understands what travel advisors need, how they sell, what motivates them, and, most importantly, how to build partnerships rooted in trust that deliver results.
“Kristy is fiercely loyal to the Virgin Voyages brand and genuinely believes in what the brand brings to the travel industry. That belief is contagious,” continued Howard. “She doesn't simply sell a product; she creates excitement, confidence, and advocacy around it. Kristy understands that the most powerful sales relationships are built by being authentic, knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely invested in the success of her partners.
“Kristy is also a true change agent. She isn't afraid to challenge conventional thinking, experiment with new approaches, and find better ways to connect brands, advisors, and travelers. Her entrepreneurial mindset and curiosity allow her to see opportunities where others may not, while her resilience and determination turn those ideas into action,” finished Howard.
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