Further to the naming of Louise Walker to the position of Vice President, Marketing Strategy, and James Buttenshaw to the position of Research Manager, a number of organizational shifts have been made at Tourism Whistler.

“We have updated our organizational structure, recognizing the strengths of our team and the current requirements of both the resort and the organization,” said Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler’s President & CEO.

While no additional positions have been added, the shifts reflect strategic areas identified for growth, positioning the team and the organization for future success.

“We have focused on meeting the organization’s broader needs by capitalizing on the skillsets of our talented employees and redeploying efforts where needed,” explained Fisher.

The shifts will see Breton Murphy, formerly the Senior Manager of Communications, move into the position of Director, Partnerships. Breton will be responsible for forging external relationships with key corporate and industry partners and successfully targeting and securing event, marketing and communications partnership opportunities.

Patricia Westerholm, formerly the Specialist, Corporate Communications, will move into the position of Manager, Corporate Communications. Patricia is responsible for organization-wide communications to media, travel trade, meeting planners, members and partners.

Shawna Lang, formerly the Senior Manager of Leisure Sales, moves into the role of Director, Market Development, overseeing the teams of Travel Trade and Travel Media. There are a number of synergies between the two departments, which Shawna will maximize with both her travel trade and media relations experience.

In the Conference Sales department, Tourism Whistler welcomes back former employee Cassandra Zerebeski in the position of Senior Manager, Conference Sales. Cassandra will be responsible for overseeing the Conference Sales team and utilizing her strong meetings experience to help secure large group business.

In order to further enhance our Member outreach and engagement, Chris Fudge, formerly the Senior Manager of Member and Visitor Services, will now focus his efforts on Membership in the role of Senior Manager, Member Relations. Chris will be responsible for proactive member outreach, including individual and group engagement.

Reporting Structure

Continuing to report to the President & CEO are the executive positions of:
• Vice President, Marketing Strategy
• Vice President, Market Development
• Vice President, Finance & Operations
• Senior Manager, Human Resources

In the position of Vice President of Marketing Strategy, Louise Walker will oversee the departments of:
• Research
• Marketing Services
• Partnerships & Events
• Corporate Communications
• Whistler.com Reservations

In the position of Vice President of Market Development (formerly the sales division), Karen Goodwin will oversee the departments of:
• Market Development
o Travel Trade
o Travel Media
• Conference Sales
• Conference Services
• Member Relations

In the position of Vice President of Finance & Operations, Karen Playfair will oversee the departments of:
• Finance & Assessments
• Information & Web Technology
• Whistler Golf Club
• Visitor Services
• Building Operations

“I feel very fortunate to lead a team of such dedicated, talented and conscientious professionals,” Fisher said. “While reporting structure is far less critical to our success than our ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, I believe the new organizational structure positions us to capitalize on the many new market and customer opportunities, while utilizing the varied strengths of our employees.”