Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) has named Doug Pierini as the next CEO, effective June 1. He replaces Mary Kate Buckley who will retire as CEO on May 31, concluding a seven-year tenure leading the resort property.
Pierini, who was hired as chief operating officer (COO) in July 2024, assumes control of the daily operational responsibilities for JHMR, effective immediately.
“Doug is a strong leader with a deep understanding of both the operational and cultural aspects that make Jackson Hole Mountain Resort so special,” said JHMR Owner Mike Corbat. “His extensive experience at top resorts around the world, combined with his roots in this community, gives him a unique perspective on how to balance innovation with JHMR’s legacy. We are confident that his vision, leadership and passion will not only preserve our independence but also propel JHMR into an exciting future.”
Pierini worked at JHMR’s Mountain Sports School for 10 years in the 1990s, where he built deep connections within the community and a passion for the mountain. Before returning to JHMR, he spent the previous 13 years at Vail Resorts, as the senior vice president and chief operating officer for the company’s Western Region, with oversight of the company’s West Coast resorts, Whistler Blackcomb in Canada and three Australian properties. He also served as the senior vice president and chief operating officer for the Eastern Region from 2019 to 2021.
“I consider my previous experience at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort one of the highlights of my life. My wife Leigh and I met while working for the Mountain Sports School, and we were eager to return to Jackson for years. I’m honored to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation that Mary Kate and the entire JHMR team have created,” said Pierini. “Jackson Hole holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to working alongside this incredible community to help shape its future while staying true to its independent spirit.”
Since joining JHMR in 2018, Buckley has overseen the resorts development, driving infrastructure improvements, operational efficiencies, and a deepened commitment to sustainability.
“It has been an incredible honor to work with Mary Kate, from her time on the board to leading JHMR as president and CEO,” said JHMR Owner Eric Macy. “She has left an enduring legacy on this resort, always putting our employees, guests and the broader community first. From guiding JHMR through the challenges of COVID to pioneering capacity management, she has led with vision and purpose. We are forever grateful for her leadership, dedication and passion, which have shaped JHMR into what it is today.”
Under Buckley’s leadership, the resort underwent significant infrastructure expansion including upgrading and adding chairlifts, extending snowmaking and glading and increasing hiking and mountain biking trails. She prioritized employee support, and over 100 incremental housing units. She created a dedicated guest experience team that modernized ticketing and digital systems and launched a new reservation platform, Jackson Hole Resort Reservations, to support the local tourism community.
Beyond resort operations, she collaborated with County officials to secure federal funding for transportation and infrastructure improvements, led sustainability efforts by transitioning to 100 percent wind power and spearheaded renovations of retail spaces and on-mountain dining, elevating the overall guest experience.
“The successes of the past seven years are a testament to the incredible team of employees I’ve had the privilege to lead,” said Buckley. “With the smooth transition from Kemmerer ownership to the Corbat and Macy families, I feel this is the right time to step down.
“The Kemmerers’ commitment to preserving independent ownership and entrusting JHMR’s stewardship to two families who share a deep passion and personal commitment gives me full confidence that the resort is in the best possible hands for our guests, employees, and community,” concluded Buckley.
Images courtesy Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
