Just say yes: Virgin takes its Head of Yes search stateside
Following its UK debut last year, Virgin is taking 'Head of Yes' transatlantic, opening applications across both the UK and US for the first time. One person will receive $100,000 or £75,000 as well as access to extraordinary experiences across Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels Collection, Virgin Voyages and more. Their brief? Follow their curiosity, say yes to new adventures and share the stories that follow.
Anyone can apply – you don’t even need an established social following. Virgin wants people with real stories about where saying yes has taken them, and the curiosity to see where their next yes could lead.
SIX MONTHS OF SAYING YES
Saying yes has long been part of Virgin’s DNA. Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, affectionately known as ‘Dr Yes’, has spent more than five decades following his curiosity, taking chances and encouraging others to do the same.
Virgin’s inaugural Head of Yes, Chris Tomkins, has now completed his six-month assignment, having turned Virgin experiences into social-first storytelling across the USA, UK, Mallorca, Seoul and the Caribbean. From road trips and wellness retreats to a Yes Day at sea, Chris has captured the places, people and unexpected moments that come from saying yes.
Chris Tomkins, Virgin’s inaugural Head of Yes, said: “Saying yes to Head of Yes meant taking a chance on something completely different. The fee gave me the security to focus on creating content full-time for the first time. If you’re thinking ‘I’m not a big enough creator’ or ‘this isn’t for someone like me’, apply anyway. I didn’t know exactly where saying yes would take me either. That’s the beauty of it!”
INVESTING IN CREATIVE POTENTIAL
The creator economy is growing rapidly but turning that creativity into a full-time career remains out of reach for many. Head of Yes is designed to help close that gap. More than a creator brief or series of sponsored trips, it provides six months of financial runway, creative freedom and access to unique experiences to see where a great idea can lead.
Virgin has a long history of championing entrepreneurs and helping people turn ideas and passions into reality. Head of Yes brings that same mindset to creators, giving one person the time, support and resources to make creativity their focus.
"Some of the best things Virgin has ever done started with "Screw it, let’s do it.," said Sam Kelly, Chief Experience Officer at Virgin Group. "Head of Yes is about taking that spirit and running with it - quite literally, around the world. For six months, we’re giving someone the keys to Virgin and one simple instruction: say yes. Yes to the unexpected, yes to the slightly ridiculous, yes to the things you’ll still be talking about years from now. It should be unpredictable, probably a little chaotic, and a lot of fun."
IT COULD BE YOU
Applications are open from 9 September 2026 to 20 October 2026.
To apply, post a video on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok sharing a time you said yes and where it led, using #HeadOfYes and tagging @Virgin.
Shortlisted applicants will progress to the next stage before the new Head of Yes is announced on 30 November 2026. The successful applicant will start their ‘Yes’ journey in January 2027.
ENDS
For further information:
Editors’ notes:
Head of Yes first launched in the UK in 2025.
In 2026, Virgin is expanding the search to the US for the first time.
Applications open on 9 September and close on 20 October 2026.
Applicants do not need to be established creators or have an existing social following.
A shortlist will progress in November, with the next Head of Yes announced on 30 November 2026 to begin their six-month creator contract in January 2027.
You can apply if you’re 18 or over and live in the UK or US (or you’re over the age of majority where you live, if that’s higher). You can’t apply where local law prohibits it, or if you work for a Virgin group company.
Head of Yes is a paid content-creator engagement, selected on merit. It isn’t a prize draw, competition or employment relationship, and applying doesn’t guarantee you’ll be shortlisted or selected. Whoever gets the gig will also need to enter into a content creator agreement with Virgin Red.