RANGELEY —  The owners of the Saddleback Ski Area in Dallas Plantation announced Thursday that the resort’s general manager Warren Cook was ending his tenure and would be replaced by Christopher C. Farmer.

Cook’s employment contract with the resort had expired and it was Cook’s decision to leave to pursue new interests, according to a release issued late Thursday by Saddleback.

Saddleback owners Bill and Irene Berry thanked Cook for his efforts over the last two years and said his depature would make it possible for other family members to become more involved in the day-to-day operations at the resort.

“Irene and I appreciate Warren for the expertise and leadership he brought to Saddleback, and for his great work in putting systems into place that will move the resort in the right direction as we go forward,” Bill Berry said in a prepared statement.  “We are excited about the future and will continue a commitment to our family’s values of making skiing affordable for Maine families while sustaining the beautiful natural environment at the resort.”

Farmer, a Franklin County native, attorney and graduate of the University of Maine School of Law, has been serving as director of real estate, planning and development, and legal counsel to the mountain since May of 2008, according to the release.

Farmer’s new title will be general manager.

According to the release, “The second and third generations of the Berry family will become more actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the resort.”

 Cook, a former president of Sugarloaf/usa in Carrabassett Valley and the owner of a Dorset sheep farm in Kingfield, worked hard to reorganize Saddleback’s management putting in a strong structure that will allow Farmer to, “hit the ground running,” the release stated.

Cook’s overall commitment to guest service, quality snow surfaces and active marketing has resulted in the increase in numbers of skiers and riders buying lift tickets and season passes at Saddleback, Bill Berry said.

 The past ski season was one of the resort’s most successful in its 49-year history including a 40 percent increase in revenue over last season and a 15 percent increase in skier visits, Berry said.

Cook oversaw several key developments at the ski area including the construction of a 44-acre glade, considered among the largest in New England. Cook also ushered in improvements to snow making and grooming and also created several programs that offered discounted skiing to families, veterans, Mainers and families including a $49 season pass for honor roll students. Last season the program offered passes to 2,400 honor-roll students, the release noted.

According to the release that Promoting Education and Activity for Kids Program or PEAK would continue and be expanded.

Farmer echoed the Berrys’ praise for Cook.

“Warren has left me in good hands with a quality team and some big shoes to fill,” Farmer said.

 Cook is also involved in Maine Network Partners, an organization that supports the development of collaborative nonprofit networks in Maine.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work for the Berry family and thank the Saddleback staff for their outstanding service to our guests, but I especially would like to thank all the Saddleback skiers and riders for their loyalty and enthusiasm,” Cook said in a prepared statement. “It was my pleasure to serve you over the past two years. I will stay in touch as I pursue my other interests around the state of Maine.”