In big news out of Colorado this morning, former Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz is returning to the role as current CEO Kirsten Lynch steps down from the role and as a director of the board.
Katz served as CEO of Vail Resorts for 16 years from 2006 and was at the helm when the industry changing Epic Pass was launched in 2008 and was integral to the 2015 acquisition of Perisher for AUD$176m.
Lynch, a former CMO of Vail Resorts before taking on the CEO role three years ago, has had a particularly tumultuous season with a lengthy strike of Park City Ski Patrollers and consistent calls for a change of leadership.
“As Vail Resorts continues to execute its strategic priorities and transformational initiatives, the Board believes now is the right time for this leadership transition,” said Bruce Sewell, Lead Independent Director of the Board.
“Rob has a strong track record of driving innovation and executing consistent performance at Vail Resorts and has played a critical role in the development of Vail Resorts’ operations and long-term strategy for over the past three decades.”
Katz has served on the Board since 1996 and has been involved with the Company since 1991. Prior to becoming CEO of Vail Resorts, he was associated with Apollo Management L.P., a private equity investment firm, since its founding in 1990. He is also a founder and board member of the Katz Amsterdam Foundation, which has a long track record of working with mountain communities to improve access to mental and behavioral healthcare.
“I am very optimistic about the future of Vail Resorts and delivering for all our stakeholders. I want to thank Kirsten for her leadership over the past three and a half years; she has set us up for the next phase of growth, and I look forward to building upon that work,” said Katz in an official press release from Vail Resorts today.
