By ALYSON LAMB
Richard Phillips is bringing more than 25 years of Australian ski industry experience to a new dual-resort leadership role across Falls Creek and Hotham, strengthening alignment between two of Victoria’s neighbouring alpine destinations.
He was appointed vice president and general manager of both Falls Creek and Hotham in September 2025, after nearly six years leading the Falls Creek team and more than 25 years working in the Australian ski industry including roles at Perisher and Thredbo.
The appointment brings the two Victorian resorts under one leadership structure, with Vail Resorts pointing to opportunities for stronger alignment, shared operational knowledge and closer collaboration across Falls Creek and Hotham.
Jody Churich, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Vail Resorts’ west region, said Mr Phillips was well placed to bring the two resorts together.
“Rich is a driven, thoughtful, strategic leader and community partner, and he is the right person to bring together the leadership of both Falls Creek and Hotham,” Ms Churich said.
“This multi-resort leadership model has proven successful in our operation of resorts in North America, creating deeper connections, better efficiencies, and encouraging more collaboration across resorts that are closely related based on size, scale, and geography.”
For Mr Phillips, the expanded role means continuing his work at Falls Creek while building a deeper connection with Hotham’s team, mountain and community.
“With Hotham being a part of the Vail Resorts family, I have been exposed to the resort in many ways and have been inspired by the passion shown for the mountain and the constant drive to improve the guest experience across all areas of the resort,” he said.
The appointment followed Tina Burford’s move from Hotham to Park City Mountain in Utah, where she was appointed senior director of skier services at the largest ski resort in the United States.
Ms Burford had led Hotham for two years after a long career in the Australian ski industry, including 32 years at Perisher.
As the season unfolds, Mr Phillips’ dual-resort role will take shape across Falls Creek and Hotham, spanning operations, community relationships and the demands of alpine resort management.