1. Speakers Bureau
  2. Steve Ridgway
Steve Ridgway | CEO of Virgin Atlantic (2001-2013)

Steve Ridgway

CEO of Virgin Atlantic (2001-2013)

Request More Info
Profile Links
Fee Range
Please contact us for pricing

Steve Ridgway
Biography

Steve Ridgway was CEO for Virgin Atlantic between 2001-2013. During his time at the airline, he saw Virgin Atlantic grow from two 747s to a fleet of 40 long haul aircraft, flying six million passengers a year all over the world. Virgin Atlantic is considered by many to be one of the world's most innovative airlines, having won top business, consumer and trade awards.Steve Ridgway joined Virgin Atlantic in 1989 and soon-after was appointed Managing Director of Virgin Freeway in 1990, launching the UK's first automated frequent flyer programme. In 1994 he was appointed as a board member taking the role of Executive Director of Customer Services, then in 1998 promoted to Managing Director and finally Chief Executive officer in 2001. His 23-year career at Virgin Atlantic ended when he resigned in 2013 where he commented "My time with Virgin Atlantic has been nothing short of an adventure. I've seen many great times and a few bad, and have always remained firm that we must offer something different to that of our competitors. Our staff, both on the ground and in the air, deliver a service that others could only hope to copy. I will be leaving the airline as it embarks on a new era of flying - and I am confident that it will continue to soar and enjoy success for many years to come".Not one to shy from debate; Steve Ridgway is a leading industry voice and has constantly challenged the Government to evaluate its stance on UK aviation and airports. He has fought hard to ensure Virgin Atlantic is the UK's second largest long haul carrier, but more importantly - a brand that people all over the world admire. He successfully steered the airline through major global aviation issues including the tragic events of 9/11 and the volcanic ash cloud. He continues to lead and inspire during the difficult economic conditions facing the UK and will leave a lasting impact with his constant desire to invest and innovate throughout the business.

Steve Ridgway
Featured Keynote Program

Topics

Leadership & Employee Engagement;
Marketing, Branding & Creativity;
Business Innovation & Strategy;
Risk & Crisis Management;
Sales & Customer Service;
Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability;
Corporate Turnaround, Mergers & Acquisitions

Steve Ridgway
Featured Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Steve Ridgway for your event.
Contact Us Today

How do I book Steve Ridgway for my event?

Booking Steve Ridgway with Premiere Speakers Bureau is a streamlined 4-step process:
  • Availability Check: Contact us with your event date and budget to verify if your desired speaker is available.
  • Hold Date: We place a temporary "hold" on the speaker's calendar while you finalize internal approval.
  • Contracting: We issue a contract outlining the fee, cancellation policy, and event expectations.
  • Logistics: Once signed, our event management team handles all travel booking, itinerary, and AV requirements.

Why should I partner with Premiere Speakers Bureau rather than contacting speakers directly?

Partnering with Premiere Speakers Bureau provides a comprehensive safety net for your event that direct booking cannot match. You get the same speaker for the same price, but with a dedicated team with over 30 years of event experience handling contracts, logistics, and are prepared for any emergency. We know what it takes to run an excellent event.

What makes Premiere Speakers Bureau unique compared to other agencies?

Premiere Speakers Bureau distinguishes itself by having over 30 years of experience while partnering with more than 35,000 events. PSB has also built a streamlined, fully online process that makes booking a speaker, handling travel and payments extremely easy for anyone looking to plan a speaker led event.

How does Premiere Speakers Bureau's 'Zero Cost Service' model work?

Premiere Speakers Bureau operates on a 'Zero Cost Service' model for event planners. Our services—including research, booking, and logistics—are always free to the client. The speaker covers our commission from their standard honorarium as payment for our role in marketing and managing their engagements.

How are speaker fees structured, and what is typically included?

A speaker's fee typically covers the keynote presentation, a pre-event planning call, and standard customization. Travel expenses are usually billed separately.

What are the standard policies for speaker travel and expenses?

Travel expenses are negotiated during contracting. We generally recommend a flat travel fee for simplicity, though we also offer line-by-line invoicing when preferred. PSB ensures these expenses adhere to professional standards, and our Event Portal allows for easy tracking and invoicing.
Get more details and availability

Steve Ridgway

Share some basic details about you and your upcoming event, and one of our experts will be in touch with you quickly regarding pricing and availability.
Event Details
Your Details
Cancel
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging or HELP if you need more information.