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Romero takes Related WestPac helm

Katie Redding
The Aspen Times
Aspen, CO Colorado
Paul Conrad/The Aspen Times
ALL |

SNOWMASS VILLAGE ” Dwayne Romero has replaced Pat Smith as president of Related WestPac, officials announced Friday.

The Snowmass-based company is currently pursuing four development projects in the Roaring Fork Valley, including the $1 billion development at Snowmass’ Base Village. Related WestPac was originally a joint venture between New York-based Related Companies and Smith’s WestPac Investments LLC, a privately held development company operating in five Western states.

Smith will remain an investor in the company as he pursues other opportunities, according to a press release issued Friday by company officials.



Smith was arguably the original mover and shaker behind Related WestPac’s many land acquisitions in the valley, and he played a key role in making the company a major developer locally.

In 2006, Smith slowly began buying up properties in Snowmass Village in under the auspices of Westpac Properties Inc. He first purchased the Snowmass Center, then the Snowmass Mall.




In March 2007, Smith brought New York-based Related Companies in to purchase Base Village. Related eventually became a partner in all three Snowmass projects, as well as a proposed 180-acre residential development between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.

Romero, who is also an Aspen city councilman, joined Related WestPac as chief operating officer in September 2008. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading all of the company’s business activities in Snowmass Village and the valley, the company said.

“In Dwayne Romero, we recruited an outstanding local leader and seasoned executive to oversee our business,” said Ken Wong, vice chairman of the Related Companies, in the press release. “Dwayne has brought invaluable industry knowledge, strengthened our organization and established strong working relationships with the town staff, elected officials and the local community. In promoting Dwayne to president, we recognize his leadership and expertise as we continue our commitment to fulfilling the vision for Snowmass Village.”

Smith, in the press release, said he is proud of what has been accomplished at Snowmass, but said the time is “right for me to pursue new opportunities.”

See Friday’s Aspen Times for more on Romero’s new role with Related WestPac.

kredding@aspentimes.com