SAM Magazine-Vail, Colo., July 21, 2008-It's a long way from being a lift op to becoming a senior VP. But Derek Koenig, who spent a year in the early 1990s working as a Beaver Creek lift op, has done just that, having been named VR's new senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

Koenig will assume responsibilities for VR's corporate marketing and sales functions, including pricing and research, e-commerce, marketing services, corporate communications, strategic alliances, central reservations, and domestic and international sales. He begins his new position on Aug. 25.

Since 2005, Koenig has been senior vice president of marketing for Discovery Communications, LLC, where as he was responsible for all marketing strategies for The Learning Channel (TLC), Discovery Home, Science Channel, Discovery HD Theater, Turbo, Military Channel and the Pro Cycling Team. From 2003 to 2005 Koenig was vice president of brand advertising for America Online (AOL). Previously, he served as director of consumer marketing for Sony Electronics and as director of advertising and brand management for Discover Card.

"I'm thrilled to have someone with Derek's broad background in consumer marketing join our company," said Rob Katz, VR CEO. "His personal passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors perfectly positions him to understand our guests and how best to communicate with them." \