Bob Andrea, Manager, Events & Animation, Resort Municipality of Whistler Bob Andrea has worked in the event industry for 40 years, including 33 in Whistler. He began his career in 1985 with an event consulting firm in Halifax before moving to Whistler in 1992 to work as an event coordi- nator at Tourism Whistler. In 1994, he joined the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), where he helped expand the resort’s event portfolio. Following the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Bob played a key role in creating RMOW’s Festivals, Events & Animation (FE&A) program, supporting events through development, production, venue, investment, and regulation. He also served as staff representative on the FE&A Oversight Committee of Council. Today, Bob is Manager of Village Events & Animation, overseeing the planning and delivery of Whistler’s festivals and public events. Virginia Cullen, CAO, Resort Municipality of Whistler Ginny Cullen is Chief Administrative Officer for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), where she leads the municipal government in supporting a world-class resort community. With a background in environmental engineering and more than 20 years in consulting and executive leadership, Ginny applies systems thinking to complex mountain town challenges. She helped guide the creation of Whistler’s Smart Tourism Vision, a collabora- tive initiative with elected officials, Whistler Blackcomb, Tourism Whistler, Indigenous partners, and local busi- nesses. The initiative aims to align tourism with sustain- ability, community well-being, and livability. A strong advocate for municipalities’ role in shaping tourism, Ginny works to ensure destinations thrive by managing impacts and co-creating a resilient, sustainable future. Omer Dagan, Business Development Senior Analyst, Whistler Blackcomb Omer Dagan works in business development at Whis- tler Blackcomb and is Vice President of the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA), a not-for-profit dedicated to all things biking in Whistler. He has devot- ed his career to expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation, believing strongly that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. Through his work, Omer helps connect the resort and community to mean- ingful initiatives that grow participation, expand trail networks, and encourage new riders. His leadership at WORCA reflects his passion for cycling and commitment to community engagement, while at Whistler Blackcomb he focuses on business strategies that enhance guest experiences and drive long-term growth. Whether in biking, skiing, or broader recreation, Omer is a consis- tent advocate for inclusivity and access.
Justin Downes, President, Hanazono Resort / Axis Leisure Management Based in Asia since 2007, Justin Downes is President of Beijing-headquartered Axis Leisure Management and oversees development and management of Hanazono Resort in Niseko, Japan. He has been instrumental in planning and operating more than 30 mountain resorts and indoor ski facilities across Asia, as well as in deliv- ering the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. His career includes senior roles with Melco China Resorts, Genting Secret Garden, and Hotham Skiing Company in Australia, along with the opening and development of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in B.C. Justin is a trusted advisor to global sport organi- zations, serving on the board of Freestyle Canada and representing the International Ski Federation (FIS) to advance international initiatives in China and beyond. John Entwistle, Director of Content Strategy, MMGY Origin John Entwistle is Director of Content Strategy at MMGY Origin, where he partners with resorts such as Aspen Snowmass, Grand Targhee, and Whistler Blackcomb to develop brand, campaign, and content strategies. A marketing strategist and lifelong skier, John is pas- sionate about working with premium brands in the ski and outdoor industry. He is known for doing things differently, crafting marketing approaches that draw on cultural insights and audience understanding. His work spans multiple seasons and emphasizes authentic storytelling that resonates with resort guests. Outside of the office, John can be found skiing, mountain bik- ing, and photographing the mountain landscapes that inspire both his personal and professional life. Barrett Fisher, President & CEO, Tourism Whistler Barrett Fisher is President & CEO of Tourism Whistler, bringing three decades of tourism leadership to her role. She has been instrumental in elevating Whistler from a regional winter destination to a year-round international resort community. Barrett oversees mar- keting, communications, research, destination experi- ence, and conference sales, as well as operations of the Whistler Conference Centre, Golf Club, Visitor Centre, and Whistler.com reservations. She is passionate about strategic planning, change management, and people leadership. Under her direction, Tourism Whistler’s focus has shifted toward responsible and regenerative tourism, balancing economic success with sustainabili- ty and community well-being. Her leadership has played a critical role in Whistler’s continued reputation as a global tourism leader.
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