Ryan Ellis and Ray Wood join Virgin Atlantic Cargo sales team

Ryan Ellis (left) and Ray Wood

Ryan Ellis has been appointed head of global accounts for Virgin Atlantic Cargo, while IAG Cargo’s Ray Wood has joined VAC as regional sales manager UK.

Mr Ellis has been with Virgin since 2010, and was most recently head of GSA territory management. He succeeds Steve Hughes, who left in April and is now commercial director for Wexco GSSA.

Mr Wood was at IAG Cargo for more than four years, most recently as key account manager sales for the UK and Ireland. Prior to that he was at Lufthansa Cargo, for 14 years.

Steve Buckerfield, vice president sales for Virgin Atlantic Cargo, welcomed them to the team at a time when sales were going well, he said.

“Ryan and Ray take up their new roles at a very positive time, with our global volumes up 7% for the first five months of this year and our business from the UK up 13% year-on-year. We wish to thank Steve Hughes for the great job he has done in developing customer relationships and strengthening our reputation with many of our regional and global customers.

“In his earlier sales role, Ryan helped to deliver a significant increase in our European business, so he brings great experience to the very important post of head of global accounts. As a newcomer to the airline, Ray brings a wealth of experience gained over 30 years in the air cargo industry and is also highly respected by customers, especially in the UK market.”

Mr Buckerfield also thanked Lisa Forshaw, Manchester-based account manager, for filling the role in London while Mr Wood was recruited.