Rob Katz is back for a second term as CEO at Vail Resorts, making the 58-year-old corporate veteran the first two-time head executive since the company went public.
Vail today announced sitting CEO Kirsten Lynch is resigning after more than three years as chief executive and 14 years with the company. She also steps down as a member of the board.
Bob Sewell, lead independent director of the board, says now is the time for a leadership change as the company “continues to execute its strategic priorities and transformational initiatives.”
“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 in a statement. “I remain as passionate about Vail Resorts, the sport of skiing and snowboarding, and this industry as when I first became CEO nearly two decades ago.”
Lynch became the company’s first woman CEO when Katz left the position in 2021. The company was recovering from COVID-19 shutdown and had deeply discounted the Epic Pass to attract new skiers. The 2021-2022 season was a banner year for the original “mega pass,” which was facing fierce competition from the Ikon Pass. Vail reported its best quarter ever in early 2022.
Since then Lynch’s tenure has been a roller coast. She oversaw growth, like the addition of Switzerland’s Crans-Montana in 2024, but more often she was putting out fires from high-profile disputes, like the Park City ski patrol strike this past Christmas and widespread layoffs at the company’s Broomfield headquarters.
Vail has also struggled to recoup the losses it suffered during the pandemic. In his statement Katz comments on this, saying he is “very optimistic about the future of Vail Resorts and delivering for all our stakeholders.”
Lynch thanked mountain employees, guests and her peers on the board, saying, “I am a lifelong champion of Vail Resorts and look forward to seeing the next phase of the company’s journey.”