Vail Resorts has announced that Whistler-Blackcomb Chief Operating Officer Dave Brownlie will be leaving the resort. In a statement released on Wednesday, the company says Brownlie made the personal decision to step down from his role and pursue other endeavors.

His career spans 28 years, and last year he was the recipient of Business in Vancouver’s BC CEO of the Year Award. Brownlie joined Whistler-Blackcomb as the resort Director of Finance, he also served as the Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development, the resorts’ President and was named Chief Executive Officer in 2012.

Of the announcement Brownlie said; “While not an easy decision because of my commitment to Whistler-Blackcomb, the Whistler community, the Sea to Sky corridor and our partnership with the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations communities, after an incredibly rewarding journey, my family and I are ready to take the next step toward exploring new personal and professional opportunities… I know I am leaving the resort in the great hands of my leadership team and Vail Resorts.”

The COO co-led the merger of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and saw the Peak 2 Peak gondola become a reality, as well as hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. Most recently Brownlie was part of the team that secured the new 60 year Master Development Agreements with the Province and the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.

Brownlie says; “I am deeply thankful for this nearly 30-year career and the unique opportunity to be the CEO of Whistler Blackcomb as a standalone public company for more than five years. I’m confident that the next industry leader to step into this position will continue to move the resort forward to keep getting better and better.”

Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division President Pat Campbell said they are grateful and proud of Brownlie’s contributions throughout his long tenure at the resort, which included the transition to the Vail family; “His leadership during this transition has been critical to the resort’s continued success during the 2016-2017 winter season and its offering of exceptional service to our guests and experience for our employees. Dave leaves a legacy of exceptional leadership, an incredible team and dedication to the resort and the local community that will not easily be replaced nor forgotten”.

Brownlie says he is extremely proud of what the Whistler-Blackcomb team has accomplished, and how the business has been moved forward; “Community alignment, commitment to sustainability and giving back through the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation have been critical to our success.“

Vail Resorts will begin a search for a successor immediately and says Brownlie plans to stay on through mid-summer to ensure a smooth transition for the resort, employees and community.

 

Filed under: Ski, Snow, Vail, Vail Resorts, Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb