Squaw Valley Appoints Michael DeGroff as Vice President of Resort Services

DeGroff brings over 30 years of culinary, retail and rental experience

[Olympic Valley, CA] September 22, 2011 – Squaw Valley welcomes Michael DeGroff as the newest addition to the resort’s executive leadership team. With more than three decades of experience in the mountain resort industry, DeGroff will serve as the resort’s new vice president of resort services. DeGroff joins the team from Steamboat Ski Resort, where he served as the vice president of resort services. DeGroff’s appointment will be effective on September 26, 2011.

“We are delighted to bring Mike on board,” said Andy Wirth, Squaw Valley’s president and CEO. “With his extensive experience in culinary services, including oversight of two fine dining establishments, retail and ski rental operations and his proven track record, DeGroff will be instrumental in helping to significantly raise the Squaw Valley guest experience.”

DeGroff will oversee several of the resort’s key operational departments, working with each department to ensure seamless operations and unmatched guest service. Specifically, DeGroff will oversee all aspects Squaw Valley’s culinary services, retail operations, and ski and snowboard rental and demo departments.

"My older brothers and sister's passion for skiing was sparked while watching the first televised Olympics in Squaw Valley,” said DeGroff. “They passed their love of skiing on to me, and my passion grew greatly during my tenure in Steamboat. It will be an honor to be a part of the renaissance at Squaw Valley."

Additionally, Squaw Valley announces the appointment of Gretchen Kielas to the position of director of retail operations. Prior to joining the retail department, Kielas had over 19 years of retail buying and visual merchandising experience, with six of those years in ski resort retail. Kielas has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the University of Oregon and has extensive experience in retail strategic planning, formulating, layout and design.