Industry News
Former Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Kirsten Lynch will receive over $2.2 million in severance and other benefits as part of her departure agreement with the company, according to recently filed documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Lynch officially stepped down from her role as CEO on May 22 after more than three years in the position. She will remain with the company in a temporary role as a strategic advisor through late September, continuing to receive her base salary until her employment ends on September 26, 2025.
The severance package, disclosed in an SEC filing dated May 26, includes a one-time cash payment of $2.25 million, equivalent to two years of her base salary, as well as the full vesting of all outstanding unvested equity awards under the company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan. In addition, Lynch will receive a prorated bonus for fiscal year 2025, calculated based on Vail Resorts’ actual performance. The company also agreed to provide a lump-sum payment equal to one year of health insurance premiums under COBRA. In exchange, Lynch signed a broad release of claims and agreed to various confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions.
Lynch, 51, spent 14 years at Vail Resorts and became CEO in November 2021 following Rob Katz’s first departure from the top role. Her exit follows a turbulent stretch for the company, which faced sustained criticism from investors and customers over labor disputes, rising costs, and guest satisfaction issues. The company’s stock has lost nearly 30% of its value in the past two years, despite share buybacks and expanded pass offerings.
Rob Katz, who has served as Executive Chairperson since 2021, returned to the CEO role on May 27, triggering a sharp 10% increase in Vail Resorts’ stock in after-hours trading. He will continue to serve as Chairperson of the Board. Vail Resorts is expected to release its fiscal third-quarter earnings on June 5, with investors watching closely for signs of a strategic reset under Katz’s renewed leadership.
