Virgin Voyages Promotes Matt Lebbern to Market Director for Europe & Australia/New Zealand
Virgin Voyages has promoted Matt Lebbern to Market Director for Europe and Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), effective immediately.
Mr Lebbernss previous role was Director of Sales - Europe & New Markets.
Mr Lebbern now leads the commercial strategy and sales 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.
Mr Lebbern will oversee sales, trade partnerships, distribution and market development across Europe and ANZ, whilst 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.The momentum is global.
On August 13, Virgin Voyages recorded its highest revenue day in company history, following the launch of its inaugural Scandinavia and Baltics programme for 2028.
Matt Lebbern said: “Europe and ANZ are both going from strength to strength, and it’s a fantastic time to be leading these markets. Europe is heading for a record year, building on a hugely successful 2025, while ANZ is tracking 30% ahead, with Sailors (guests) booking further ahead than ever before and average lead times now reaching 12 months.
“Ireland is an important market for us, and our First Mates (travel agents) are central to our ambitions for continued growth. That's why we've been investing in giving them more opportunities to experience the brand first-hand. Earlier this year, we welcomed 75 Irish First Mates onboard Valiant Lady in Dublin for an exclusive ship visit – a first for the market. And this November, 20 First Mates will join us onboard Resilient Lady in the Caribbean for our first-ever dedicated Irish fam trip.
“These experiences are about more than showcasing our ships. They're about building stronger relationships, helping agents understand what makes Virgin Voyages different and giving them the confidence to recommend us to their customers. Our First Mates are the driving force behind our success, and we'll continue investing in the tools, training and experiences they need to capitalise on the growing demand for adults-only cruising.”
Stephen Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Growth and International Sales & Marketing at Virgin Voyages, said: “Europe and ANZ have both become real growth engines for Virgin Voyages, and the results we are seeing are testament both to the strength of the brand and to the exceptional work Matt and the team have done with our First Mate community.
“We have always believed Virgin Voyages has the potential to redefine what an adults-only holiday at sea can look like. In Australia and New Zealand we are seeing 30% growth as we build a team on the ground for the first time, and in Europe that proposition is carrying us towards a record year.
“Matt has been instrumental in that journey, from opening up our European distribution from scratch, to reshaping our approach in Australia and New Zealand. He combines a deep understanding of the trade with commercial ambition and a genuine passion for our brand and our partners. Expanding his role recognises the way he already thinks about the business as a whole, and I’m incredibly excited about what he and the team will deliver next.”
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