Nikki Humphrey appointed Chief People Officer at Virgin Group

Virgin Group is today announcing that Nikki Humphrey has been appointed to the newly-created role of Chief People Officer, Virgin Group.  Nikki will join the V Team – Virgin’s executive team – in July and will report directly to Josh Bayliss, CEO of Virgin Group.

Nikki joins Virgin from her role as Executive Director, People at John Lewis Partnership (JLP), a position she has held since 2020.  Prior to her role at JLP, Nikki held the position of Chief People Officer at Virgin Atlantic. 

Josh Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Group, says:  “Virgin’s founder, Richard Branson, has always said that if you take care of your employees, they’ll take care of your business.  I am therefore delighted to welcome Nikki back to the Virgin family – her knowledge of Virgin‘s brand, values and culture will be invaluable to leading a first-class, uniquely Virgin people experience. 

“It‘s the right time for us post pandemic to further strengthen our people team in this way – by recruiting a Chief People Officer – as it will bring even greater focus to this aspect of Virgin’s purpose.  Nikki’s significant experience offers us an excellent opportunity to build on the success we create by focusing on our people.“  

Nikki Humphrey says: “It’s been a difficult decision to leave the John Lewis Partnership but, the opportunity to rejoin the Virgin family was too good to miss.  In the past year, Virgin has launched a new Purpose and Vision strategy with its people central to this – I cannot wait to get stuck in and bring this unique company’s culture – built over more than 50 years – to life.“