Cairngorm Boss Retires

4th September 2024

Susan Smith leaves as CEO of the Scottish resort at the end of the month. Her tenure has seen huge problems with the main funicular lift that remains out of…
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Susan Smith leaves as CEO of the Scottish resort at the end of the month.

Her tenure has seen huge problems with the main funicular lift that remains out of operation.

“Being chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain has been the role of a lifetime and I will miss the mountain and my friends and colleagues more than I can say,” said Susan Smith.

“After a career spanning almost 40 years in economic and community development with HIE, this has been the most challenging situation I have ever faced, but also the most inspiring.”

Cairngorm Funicular. Image c/o HIE

“Susan has been an exemplary leader at Cairngorm Mountain,” said Peter Mearns, who chairs the independent board that oversees Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland).

“It isn’t only that she has steered the business through severe challenges, including Covid and the absence of our unique attraction, the funicular railway.

“Just as importantly, she has shown great tenacity in holding firm to a clear vision of developing Cairngorm as a popular, modern resort offering a diverse range of activities for whole families to enjoy in every season of the year.”

CMSL plans to recruit a new chief executive next year, after the funicular has returned to service and the resort is again operating at full strength.

In the meantime, CMSL board member Tim Hurst will become interim chief executive, supported by technical operations manager Colin Matthew and land manager Jim Cornfoot.