PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyndham
Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) has announced the appointment of Michael D. Brown as president and chief
executive officer of Wyndham Vacation Ownership effective
immediately. Most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer of
Hilton Grand Vacations (NYSE: HGV), Brown brings more than 25 years
of experience leading a diverse range of asset management and
vacation ownership sales functions.
Brown will report to Wyndham Worldwide Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer Stephen P. Holmes,
who has been serving as interim leader of the business since the
start of the year. Orlando-based
Wyndham Vacation Ownership is the world leader in timeshare
development, sales, and management with 219 resorts and over
887,000 owners globally.
Prior to serving as HGV's chief operating officer, Brown led its
domestic sales organization, which nearly doubled its sales revenue
under his leadership. Brown joined HGV in 2008 after serving in a
series of sales, development, operations, and finance leadership
roles across the U.S., Europe and
the Caribbean for more than 16
years at Marriott International and Marriott Vacation Club
International.
"Mike brings a combination of strategic vision, people-centric
focus, and industry savvy that is ideal to successfully lead this
powerhouse organization," said Holmes. "A well-known and highly
regarded industry leader, Mike values the long term relationship we
have with our owners, knows how to leverage a hotel-based loyalty
program, and understands how to best support the vibrant and
successful sales and service culture at Wyndham."
Loyalty Program as a Strategic
Priority
Vacation ownership at Wyndham includes
membership in the industry's top-rated loyalty program – Wyndham
Rewards – which allows owners to earn points that can be redeemed
for everything from stays across the Wyndham portfolio to club
maintenance fees. This past year, Wyndham Rewards became the first
major loyalty program to include vacation ownership and vacation
rental properties, adding more than 20,000 options to its
redemption portfolio.
"Mike has proven success in effectively connecting hotel
customers and loyalty program members with the vacation ownership
experience – a strategic priority here at Wyndham as we continue
weaving Wyndham Rewards as the 'blue thread' tying our hospitality
portfolio together," continued Holmes.
A Continued Focus on Innovation
Brown joins an
industry-leading organization that has been a pioneer in
hospitality for more than 50 years – first as one of the original
providers of vacation ownership, and as an innovator of products
and services that set the pace for the industry. Wyndham Vacation
Ownership revolutionized the industry with an entirely points and
credits-based offering, which has now become the standard across
the industry. In recent years, Wyndham ramped up expansion into
more urban markets based on the changing travel patterns of its
owners – a pioneering move in the industry that others have
followed. Wyndham also introduced its Ovation by Wyndham exit
program – another industry first that recognizes long-term owners
who have enjoyed their ownership, but whose needs have changed,
providing opportunities to gracefully bow out when they feel the
time is right.
Shared Values to Drive Results
From the
inclusive environment created for its approximately 18,000 global
associates, to more than 27 million square feet of rainforest
preserved, to the many volunteer and philanthropic campaigns,
Wyndham Vacation Ownership has aligned its operations with a
responsible approach tailored to the many local communities where
it operates.
These efforts are reflected as part of Wyndham Worldwide's
recognition as one of the world's Most Ethical Companies by
Ethisphere; as a global industry leader on the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index; and among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity
by Diversity Inc.
At HGV, Brown championed responsible business practices,
including serving as the inaugural executive sponsor of the
organization's Diversity and Inclusion Council.
"Wyndham has always been a value-driven organization, focused on
delivering great experiences for owners and results for our
shareholders by doing business in a responsible way we all can be
proud of," added Holmes. "Our culture continues to be an important
driver of our success. Mike shares these values as we continue
serving the needs of our growing owner base and make travel more
accessible and more memorable than any other hospitality company in
the world."
About Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Wyndham Vacation
Ownership, a member of Wyndham Worldwide's (NYSE: WYN) family of
companies, is the world's largest vacation ownership business, as
measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual
vacation ownership units and owners of vacation ownership
interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and
sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing
to owners through its seven primary consumer brands, CLUB WYNDHAM®,
WorldMark® by Wyndham, CLUB WYNDHAM® ASIA, WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham,
Shell Vacations Club, Margaritaville Vacation Club® by Wyndham and
WYNDHAM CLUB BRASILSM. As of December 31, 2016, we have developed or acquired
219 vacation ownership resorts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South
America and the South Pacific that represent approximately
25,000 individual vacation ownership units and over 887,000 owners
of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership is
headquartered in Orlando, Fla.,
and is supported by approximately 18,000 associates globally.
About Wyndham Worldwide
Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN)
is one of the largest global hospitality companies, providing
travelers with access to a collection of trusted hospitality brands
in hotels, vacation ownership, and unique accommodations including
vacation exchange, holiday parks, and managed home rentals. With a
collective inventory of nearly 130,000 places to stay across more
than 110 countries on six continents, Wyndham Worldwide and its
38,000 associates welcomes people to experience travel the way they
want. This is enhanced by Wyndham Rewards®, the Company's
re-imagined guest loyalty program across its businesses, which is
making it simpler for members to earn more rewards and redeem their
points faster. For more information, please visit
www.wyndhamworldwide.com.
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SOURCE Wyndham Worldwide