Virgin Australia welcomes home its new head of PR

September 30, 2025 3:18

Matthew Ongarello is returning to Virgin Australia

Airline Virgin Australia has appointed Matthew Ongarello as its group head of PR and brand — a move that will see the long-time Virgin employee return to Australia from the UK.

Ongarello has been with the airline in a communications capacity since January 2020, when he joined as a public affairs specialist. Prior to this, he worked in ground operations for Virgin in Melbourne in the early 2010s.

He’s worked across the Virgin Group’s global company portfolio in senior roles, including senior manager for public relations and content, and head of public relations, social media, content and events (both in Australia); and, most recently, head of news (corporate communications) in Virgin’s London office.

Ongarello’s career has also seen him work various public relations and media-based managerial, executive and director roles across Tourism NT, Victoria Racing Club, Nine, and KateCo PR.

Now, the communications professional will lead the creative direction, brand strategy and PR for Virgin Australia and its loyalty program, Velocity Frequent Flyer. Overall, his remit will be responsible for molding both entity’s external reputations and bolster their brand positioning.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Matthew back to the Virgin Australia family,” Libby Minogue, chief marketing officer at Virgin Australia, said in a media release.

“Matthew’s 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.”

Ongarello described his latest career move as a “privilege”, and said he’s looking forward to assuming a new Australia-based leadership position.

“The Virgin brand has always been synonymous with creativity, innovation and heart. I look forward to leading our incredible 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,” he said in the release.

“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 as group head of PR and brand.”

Ongarello’s return to the airline’s Australian base comes months after Virgin officially became a listed corporation on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).