Virgin Voyages has appointed David Clark as head of sales for Australia and New Zealand, with the cruise industry veteran starting on 6 July 2026.
Clark will oversee the adults-only cruise line’s First Mate (its term for travel advisor) sales and commercial strategy across both markets, with a brief to strengthen high-value trade partnerships and open new distribution opportunities.
He joins with more than 20 years across the travel and cruise sectors, having held senior leadership roles at Disney, Helloworld Travel, Tauck and Carnival Australia.
Most recently he was managing director, Australia at Tauck, responsible for driving commercial growth, leading strategic partnerships and expanding the touring company’s presence in the Australian market.
What the role covers
The appointment lands as Virgin Voyages presses on with an international growth strategy that names Australia and New Zealand as priority markets.
Clark’s focus will be on growing trade partnerships and brand awareness to bring more Sailors (its term for guests) and First Mates to the line’s kid-free product. The fleet of Lady Ships currently departs Miami, Barcelona, Athens and San Juan, offering more than 60 itineraries to over 150 ports.
Clark is based in Australia and reports into the line’s regional sales structure for the markets.
“Virgin Voyages has built a reputation for doing things differently, and I’m excited to join the business at such a pivotal time,” Clark said.
“The brand has personality and delivers an experience that Sailors genuinely rave about. This is an incredible opportunity professionally, but it’s also exciting to be part of a brand that challenges convention.
“There’s already strong affinity for the Virgin brand across Australia and New Zealand, and more travellers are seeking premium, kid-free holiday experiences. That makes this an incredibly exciting market for Virgin Voyages. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves, partner with our First Mates and help introduce more travellers to our unique approach to sailing.”
Vote of confidence
Virgin Voyages director of sales, Europe and Australia and New Zealand Matt Lebbern said the two markets had backed the line from launch.
“Australia and New Zealand have embraced Virgin Voyages from day one and continue to be among our strongest international source markets globally. That speaks to the strength of the brand, the appetite for a different kind of cruise experience and the incredible support of our First Mate community,” Lebbern said.
“David is joining us at an exciting time as we take our plans for Australia and New Zealand to the next level. He knows the market, understands the trade and has built an outstanding reputation across the industry. He will play a key role in strengthening our First Mate partnerships, leading our commercial strategy and accelerating the next phase of growth across Australia and New Zealand.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: Virgin Voyages calls Australia and New Zealand among its strongest source markets globally, and a senior, Australia-based sales hire signals it intends to keep feeding the First Mate channel rather than pull back. For travel advisors selling the adults-only, kid-free product, it means a familiar trade face leading the relationship from July.
