Virgin Atlantic Airways said on Tuesday that the 53-year-old will take up the role on February 1.

Mr Ridgway announced his intention to retire in September, after a 23-year association with Sir Richard Branson’s company and 11 years at the helm of Virgin Atlantic. He leaves at the end of next month.

Mr Kreeger spent 27 years at American Airlines in commercial, financial and strategic roles in the United States and around the globe. He was appointed Senior Vice President, Customer, in 2012.