Virgin Australia has appointed Matthew Ongarello as its new Group Head of PR and Brand, marking his return to the airline after several years abroad with the Virgin Group in London.
Ongarello most recently served as Head of News at Virgin Group, where he worked across the company’s global portfolio. Before that, he held senior positions in Virgin Australia’s Corporate Affairs and PR teams.
“It’s a privilege to come home to Virgin Australia,” Ongarello said. “The Virgin brand has always been synonymous with creativity, innovation and heart. I look forward to leading our PR, Brand and Creative Services teams as we continue to tell the Virgin Australia story in a way that inspires our people, partners and guests. Aviation has a way of capturing you and never letting go. My first role at Virgin Australia was behind the check-in counter at Melbourne Airport while I was studying at RMIT, and I’m honoured to now come full circle.”
In his new role, Ongarello will oversee public relations, brand strategy and creative direction for both Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer. He will be responsible for shaping the airline and loyalty program’s external reputation, strengthening brand positioning, and ensuring what the company calls the “Virgin spirit” remains central to its communications.
Virgin Australia ’s Chief Marketing Officer, Libby Minogue, said Ongarello’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the airline.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Matthew back to the Virgin Australia family,” Minogue said. “His deep understanding of the Virgin brand, combined with his international experience across the Virgin Group portfolio, makes him the perfect person to lead our PR and Brand team during this exciting period of growth. Matthew’s passion for aviation and storytelling, along with his proven track record of building meaningful connections between brands and people, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Virgin Australia’s position as Australia’s most loved airline.”
The appointment comes as Virgin Australia invests heavily in its people and brand following its listing on the Australian Securities Exchange in June. Earlier this month, the airline was named Australia’s Most Trusted Travel & Tourism Brand by Roy Morgan for the third consecutive year.
