Virgin Atlantic has appointed Phil Maher as its new Director of Engineering. Phil takes over from Steve Griffiths, who was appointed as Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Operating Officer in March.

Phil has 23 years’ experience in aviation and has been Acting Director of Engineering for six months. Phil has worked for Virgin Atlantic for five years, holding the role of Senior Manager, Base Maintenance & Cabin Product and General Manager, Supply Chain. He has substantial management experience and holds an MBA from Henley Management College. He was named Chartered Institute Manager of The Year for south east UK in 2007. Phil started his career in the Army Air Corps at Baldonnel in Dublin.

Phil Maher, Director of Engineering, commented: “I have been inspired by Virgin Atlantic since I joined and want to go on developing one of the best engineering teams in the aviation industry. We have an industry-wide reputation for being best in class and I know our team can go on to even greater things.”

Steve Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer, added: “Phil will play a significant part in shaping the future of the business and we congratulate him on his new role. He is a real asset to Virgin Atlantic and our engineering team.”

Phil Maher is married with three children and lives in Berkshire.