Vail Resorts Names MGM CEO To Board of Directors

Vail Resorts has named Bill Hornbuckle, the CEO and president of MGM Resorts, to its board of directors.

With MGM, which is known for its Las Vegas, Nevada, luxury hotels and casinos like the Bellagio and MGM Grand, Hornbuckle oversees “strategy, operations, hospitality and gaming development projects,” according to a Vail release. 

Before Hornbuckle became the CEO of MGM in 2020, he held several senior roles at the company and has played a “key role” in domestic and international expansion and the launch of a customer loyalty platform, the release said.

According to a blurb on MGM’s website, Hornbuckle also oversaw an expansion of sports betting through the creation of BetMGM, an online sportsbook.

“Bill is an accomplished hospitality leader with deep experience operating world-class resorts, building guest loyalty and elevating service,” said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts in the release, adding that as Vail Resorts launches Epic Experience—a move largely aimed at the hospitality side of its resorts—“we are thrilled to welcome Bill to our board and know he will immediately make a substantial contribution to our efforts.”

Hornbuckle said he was excited to join the board.

“I have long admired the iconic destinations and exceptional experiences that define Vail Resorts,” he said.

Through his career, he said, he’s been passionate “about leveraging technology and digital innovation to elevate the guest experience,” adding that he looks forward to continuing to create “exceptional experiences and delivering long-term value for shareholders.”

Hornbuckle also said that he has a personal connection to the mountains. He lives in Las Vegas but since at least 2013, he’s owned a second home in Park City, Utah, the Park Record reported.

Outside of MGM, Hornbuckle helped bring the NHL’s Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders to Las Vegas. He serves as the chair of the U.S. Travel Association and as a board member and president of T-Mobile Arena.

Hornbuckle is Vail Resorts’ tenth board member, joining Reggie Chambers, Sue Decker, Rob Katz, Iris Knobloch, Nadia Rawlinson, Hilary Schneider, Peter Vaughn, Michele Romanow and Bruce Sewell.

His position went into effect on August 3.

Related: Molly Armanino Contemplates Freeride’s Olympic Inclusion and Whether She’ll Try To Qualify