Virgin Voyages Promotes Matt Lebbern to Lead Europe and ANZ

Virgin Voyages has promoted Matt Lebbern to market director for Europe and Australia and New Zealand, expanding his responsibilities across both regions. His remit covers sales, distribution, trade partnerships and market development for the cruise line, which is headquartered in Plantation, Florida.

Executives cited 30% growth in Australia and New Zealand and forecast a record year in Europe, following what Lebbern described as a successful 2025. Virgin Voyages is also building its first locally based team in Australia.

Lebbern will take responsibility for public relations, international marketing and engagement with travel advisors. He will continue reporting to Stephen Hopkins, senior vice president of growth and international sales and marketing.

Hopkins credited the regional results in part to “the exceptional work Matt and the team have done with our first mate (travel advisor) community.” He said the company’s brand strength had also contributed to the performance.

In Australia and New Zealand, Lebbern pointed to “sailors booking further ahead than ever before, with average lead times of 12 months.”

David Clark remains a direct report to Lebbern. Clark took the Australia and New Zealand head of sales position in July, becoming Virgin Voyages’ first team member based locally in Australia.

Before the promotion, Lebbern was director of sales for Europe and new markets. He joined Virgin Voyages in April 2023 after 12 years at Princess Cruises, where his most recent position was sales manager for Europe.

Lebbern said the past year’s work in Australia had focused on removing barriers and establishing the foundations for growth, while development in Europe remained a priority. Another Australia-based team member will be announced soon, he said.

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