Vail Resorts has appointed MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle to its board of directors, adding more than 35 years of hospitality and resort experience to its leadership team.
Vail Resorts, Inc. has appointed Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President of MGM Resorts International, to its board of directors.
Hornbuckle brings more than 35 years of experience across hospitality, resort operations, marketing, strategy and large-scale integrated resort management. In his current role, he oversees MGM Resorts’ strategy, operations, hospitality and gaming development projects.
Since becoming CEO six years ago, Hornbuckle has led MGM through a period of significant transformation. He has also helped advance the company towards a more diversified, experience-led business model, with continued growth across dining, entertainment and premium experiences.
Before becoming CEO, Hornbuckle held several senior leadership positions at MGM Resorts. These included President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and executive roles at some of the company’s largest resorts.
He also played a key role in MGM Resorts’ domestic and international expansion, as well as the launch of its customer loyalty platform.
Vail Resorts welcomes hospitality experience
Rob Katz, Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts, said Hornbuckle’s experience operating resorts and building guest loyalty would be valuable as the company develops its next phase of growth.
“As we launch Epic Experience—our multi-year roadmap to make every part of the mountain journey more seamless, personalized and memorable—we are thrilled to welcome Bill to our board and know he will immediately make a substantial contribution to our efforts,” Katz said.
Hornbuckle said he was excited to join the Vail Resorts board and had long admired the company’s destinations and guest experiences.
His career has also focused heavily on technology and digital innovation. According to Hornbuckle, these tools can help elevate the guest experience while keeping customers at the centre of business decisions.
“I look forward to working alongside my fellow directors and the leadership team to help the company continue creating exceptional experiences and delivering long-term value for shareholders,” Hornbuckle said.
Bill Hornbuckle’s connection to Las Vegas and the mountains
Hornbuckle lives in Las Vegas and holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
He currently serves as Chair of the U.S. Travel Association, a nonprofit organisation focused on growing travel and tourism to the United States.
Hornbuckle has also been involved in the development of Las Vegas’ sports entertainment sector. As a board member and President of T-Mobile Arena, he helped support the arrival of the city’s first professional sports franchise, the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.
More recently, his work on the Clark County Stadium Authority Board contributed to efforts to bring the NFL’s Raiders to Las Vegas.
Beyond his professional connections to resort destinations, Hornbuckle has a longstanding home in Park City. As a result, Vail Resorts said he brings a strong personal appreciation for the mountains, familiarity with its guests and a passion for outdoor and experiential leisure.
Hornbuckle becomes Vail Resorts’ 10th board member
Hornbuckle is the tenth member of the Vail Resorts board. He joins Reggie Chambers, Sue Decker, Rob Katz, Iris Knobloch, Nadia Rawlinson, Hilary Schneider, Peter Vaughn, Michele Romanow and Bruce Sewell.
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) operates a network of destination and close-to-home ski resorts across North America, Switzerland and Australia.
Its portfolio includes Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb and Stowe, alongside 32 additional resorts across North America. In Switzerland, the company operates Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort. Its Australian resorts include Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek.
All are available through the company’s Epic Pass.
Vail Resorts also owns and manages hotels under the RockResorts brand, alongside vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels near its mountain destinations. The company also operates the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Meanwhile, Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America.
The company’s EpicPromise commitment aims to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030, while also supporting employees and communities and broadening participation in skiing and snowboarding.
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