Chris Stevens brings nearly 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a background in operations, asset management, and commercial strategy. Prior to joining Virgin Hotels Collection, he served as Senior Vice President at Ashford Inc. and held leadership roles at BRE Hotels & Resorts, a Blackstone portfolio company. His extensive experience in luxury and lifestyle hotels positions him well to lead operational performance and drive growth within the portfolio.
Rayhan Arif, with a background in strategic, financial, and brand-building expertise, joins Virgin Hotels Collection as CCFO. His deep understanding of the Virgin brand, cultivated through his previous roles at Virgin Mobile Latin America and Virgin Orbit, will be key as he oversees financial and commercial operations. His past leadership in multiple Virgin ventures positions him to contribute significantly to Virgin Hotels’ commercial vision.
“We are thrilled to welcome both Chris and Rayhan into their new leadership roles at such a pivotal moment in our company’s journey,” “Chris’s operational excellence and Rayhan’s commercial and financial acumen are exactly what we need as we continue to scale globally and enhance our brand promise for travelers seeking bold, design-forward, and experience-driven stays.” – James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection.
These appointments are aligned with Virgin Hotels Collection’s ongoing strategy to expand its presence in key international markets. With new properties under development and recent openings, the company continues to enhance its position in the premium lifestyle hospitality sector. A notable example is the opening of its first property in Shoreditch, London in August 2024.
In addition, Virgin Limited Edition, a key part of the brand, continues to expand through strategic partnerships. The integration of its properties into the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection further enhances Virgin’s global footprint. With a focus on both innovation and expansion, Virgin Hotels Collection is positioning itself to make a significant impact in the luxury hospitality space.
As Virgin Hotels Collection accelerates its growth, the new leadership team will focus on driving operational excellence and maintaining the brand’s commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences in each of its expanding properties.
