Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
Posted July 24, 2023
Sun Peaks Resort, Canada’s Second Largest Ski Area, is embarking on the next phase of its evolution with strategic leadership changes.
Darcy Alexander, Vice-President and General Manager for the past 32 years, will now take the helm as Chief Executive Officer. An accomplished industry veteran, Darcy will focus on long-term strategy, investment opportunities, government relations, and real estate and infrastructure development.
Amy Blakeney, current Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer in addition to her present responsibilities. Known for her leadership, trust-building, and teamwork skills, Amy will lead resort and hotel operations, including mountain and base area functions alongside the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre.
I am thrilled to pass the operational torch to Amy’s more than capable hands. Over the years, her expert financial management has steered us through some challenging times. Her principled skills, strong commitment, and steady judgement has earned the trust and respect of our ownership, myself, and our team. This change will help us manage the next phase of growth at Sun Peaks. We’re excited to build on our existing foundation with Amy’s leadership in finance and operations and my focus on our continued evolution.
- Darcy Alexander, CEO, Sun Peaks Resort
Amy has eight years of experience as Sun Peaks Resort’s Chief Financial Officer and is a member of the Board of Directors of Destination BC and Tourism Sun Peaks. Her background as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and MBA holder positions her well for this role. Before joining Sun Peaks Resort, Amy held senior financial positions in real estate investment and development in Nova Scotia. Amy was born and raised in Ontario, learned to ski at Calabogie Peaks and Mont Tremblant, and is learning to downhill mountain bike at Sun Peaks.
Amy’s contributions to Sun Peaks over the past eight years have been instrumental in positioning the resort for continued strong growth. Amy spearheaded technology advancements to enhance the guest experience, and implemented industry leading employee experience initiatives which led to Sun Peaks Resort being awarded the Employees First Award in March 2023 by the Tourism Industry Association of BC.
I am honoured to be appointed Chief Operating Officer of Sun Peaks Resort and thankful to continue under the mentorship of Darcy Alexander. This opportunity allows me to help shape the future of Sun Peaks, a special place that I call home. My husband and I have lived here for eight years, and we’ve raised our children in this welcoming and supportive community. I am passionate about our residents, our employees and our guests, and excited to be part of the next chapter in this great destination. We are investing heavily in our mountain infrastructure and our employees, most recently with the announcement of the new West Bowl Express chairlift and construction of a new employee housing building that will include 58 private units. Housing for employees of Sun Peaks is top of mind, and we continue to work with the Municipality to find creative ways to build more non-market housing.
- Amy Blakeney, CFO & COO, Sun Peaks Resort