Deer Valley got a new boss!

Ever since Deer Valley resort has been sold to Alterra, there has been a succession of leaders that has contrasted with the stability in management that was the hallmark of the Stern’s creation since 1981. 

It would seem to me that the upper management has a tough time adjusting to the stiff, conservative culture of our luxury resort and that it has some toxic effect upon its general managers. 

Yesterday, Todd Bennett was named the new president and chief operating officer, starting August 1st. 

Interestingly, Bennett’s career span from the Walt Disney Company, Vail Resorts and more recently some specialty publishing. 

Will he be able to immerse and meld himself into the “Deer Valley difference,” culture? Time will tell. 

He arrives just at the time locals are irate about the resorts new rules about disallowing outside alcohol brought into the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater for the free summer concert series including bag search and $14 beer and $15 for a glass of wine. In the past concert-goers were free to “bring their own”, so such a change is hard to accept from an organization that never changes! 

Perhaps Bennett will be masterful in justifying the resort’s policy or reversing it altogether. In the meantime, let’s wish him the very best of luck. He might need it!