Virgin Atlantic announces new Head of Design - Joe Ferry

Virgin Atlantic Airways today announced the appointment of Joe Ferry as Head of Design. Reporting to Director of Marketing, Alison Copus, Joe will be responsible for the development and implementation of Virgin Atlantic's design strategy for products and services.

Joe studied for his Industrial Design Engineering Master of Arts at the Royal College of Art in London. His final year project resulted in the patented invention of Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class Sleeper seat. Upon graduating Joe became the Design Manager for the seat and later was also responsible for a £37m redesign of the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Cabin, including a streamlined onboard bar with seven stools and separate Inflight Beauty Therapy area. Joe has worked for Virgin Atlantic for just over six years, starting in 1996 as Senior Industrial Designer and then Industrial Design Manager.

As Head of Design, Joe is now leading teams from his own and other departments to develop projects up to board level. He is renowned as a leader in innovation within the aviation industry and frequently speaks at conferences and industry events.

On his new position Joe Ferry commented:

'I am delighted to be appointed as Head of Design at Virgin Atlantic. The past six years at Virgin Atlantic have been very exciting following the invention of the Upper Class seat, and I am really pleased to be continuing to develop my designs with the Virgin Atlantic product.'

Alison Copus, Director of Marketing commented on Joe's new position:

'We are delighted to be able to announce Joe's new role as Head of Design. Since he joined us Joe has been responsible for many of the groundbreaking products our customers enjoy today. Challenging the conventions of the airline industry has been at the heart of Virgin Atlantic's success, and we're confident that Joe will continue to develop the innovative products and services that keep us ahead of our competitors.'

Joe will be working with Head of Product Dee Cooper. Dee has been working in this role for a year now, and her responsibilities include evaluation and recommendation for new product and service initiatives and driving the development of the airline's innovative products. 

Dee has worked for Virgin Atlantic for seven years, as Product Designer and Head of Design, where her projects included the design and product strategy for new uniforms and check in, design and construction of Clubhouses around the world and the relaunch of Upper Class new aircraft interior, onboard product and meal service.