BROOMFIELD, Colo.—Vail Resorts Inc. has announced that Rob Katz has been reappointed as CEO. Katz, who previously served as CEO from 2006 to 2021 and is currently executive chairperson, succeeds Kirsten Lynch, who has stepped down from the CEO role and as a member of the company’s board of directors. Lynch will remain in an advisory capacity during the transition period.
“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.”
Katz has been involved with Vail Resorts since 1991 and joined the Board in 1996. He was appointed CEO in 2006 and served in that role until 2021. He has remained executive chairperson since then. Katz will also continue as chairperson of the Board.
“It is an honor to step back into the role of CEO of Vail Resorts, and it is a privilege to lead the incredible people who make our resorts and our company so special,” Katz said. “While the environment and the company itself have changed, what remains the same is our deep-rooted commitment to all our stakeholders, including our team members, our truly unique mountain resorts, and the communities we serve, as well as to our culture of innovation and constant improvement.”
Sewell also acknowledged Lynch’s impact during her 14-year company tenure, including more than three years as CEO. “We are incredibly grateful for Kirsten’s leadership… including driving transformational growth of the Epic Pass, stewarding the business through unprecedented challenges, and driving meaningful investments in innovation to position Vail Resorts for future success,” he said.
“It has been an experience of a lifetime to serve 14 years on the executive team at Vail Resorts,” Lynch said. “I want to share my sincerest appreciation to all our talented team members for their passion for our mountains, our guests, and our communities.”
