Kenny Thompson, Jr. is the Chief Public Affairs Officer at Vail Resorts (NYSE: MTN) overseeing government relations, community relations, communications, and environmental and social responsibility for the leading global mountain resort operator. Vail Resorts owns and operates 41 ski resorts in 15 states and four countries, including some of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Prior to joining Vail Resorts, Thompson served as the Vice President of External Affairs, North America at PepsiCo. Before joining PepsiCo in 2013, Thompson held several positions in the Obama-Biden Administration, including Director of Message Events for then-Vice President Joe Biden, Senior Advisor to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, and Special Assistant and Advance Lead for President Barack Obama.
In 2023, President Biden appointed Thompson to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans. He also served on the Biden-Harris Transition in 2020 as the Private Sector Liaison.
Thompson completed his Bachelor’s degree at Texas Christian University, where he was a member of the Horned Frog baseball team. He earned a MBA from Georgetown University. Thompson serves on the Board of Trustees at Texas Christian University.
