Virgin Voyages Makes Promotions on Global Sales Team

WHY IT RATES: Shane Riley and John Diorio are charged with growing the brand's footprint around the world. --Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer

Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages is diving head first into 2022 with two new ships and two noteworthy promotions on its global sales team. Shane Riley and John Diorio have both been promoted to Vice President of Sales, promising to grow the brand’s footprint and sales presence around the world. Both Riley and Diorio have been champions for the brand and crucial leaders with Riley covering UK/International sales and Diorio covering North American sales.

Virgin Voyages celebrated the launch of its first ship, Scarlet Lady, at the end of 2021 with impressive plans to debut both Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady in the spring and summer of this year from Europe. With Virgin Voyages’ foray into new markets, Riley helmed the expansion of the company’s UK-based sales team and the development of emerging regions like Australia. Similarly, Diorio’s increased scope over the years was substantiated by assuming the entirety of the North American field sales and managing influential relationships with key partners like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

“Over the past several years, Shane and John have demonstrated the ability to produce strategic partnerships and achieve tremendous growth for the company,” says Diana Block Garcia, Senior Vice President of Revenue, Sales and Itinerary. “With an unparalleled approach to sales, both Shane and John have been fundamental members of Virgin Voyages’ sales teams yielding the success of the brand. We’re thrilled to announce their promotions to Vice President.”

Virgin Voyages has already received the most five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and continues to offer a brilliant value proposition, leading Scarlet Lady to be named the “best new cruise ship in 2021” by Cruise Critic. Following in her wake, Valiant Lady will make her debut in Portsmouth, UK this March before moving to her homeport of Barcelona in May for irresistible seven-night voyages throughout the Mediterranean. Then in August, Resilient Lady hits the high seas launching from Athens, Greece with itineraries through the Adriatic Sea to many of the region’s hidden gems.

SOURCE: Virgin Voyages press release.