LAS VEGAS–November 29, 2016–Diamond Resorts International®, a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, announces today that Matthew Avril will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2017. Avril will also join the Board of Directors of Diamond Resorts’ parent company.
With over 30 years of experience in executive leadership roles, principally in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, Avril has held senior positions within Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and at Starwood Vacation Ownership (and predecessor entities) dating back to 1989, including serving as President of Starwood's Global Hotel Group, where he led worldwide operations for Starwood's nine hotel brands at over 1,200 properties in more than 100 countries with approximately 150,000 employees. Most recently, Avril served as Chief Executive Officer-Elect of Starwood Vacation Ownership (later renamed Vistana Signature Experiences, Inc.). From February 2015 until November 2015, Avril led the process for the business’s planned public company spinoff, which culminated in the sale of the business to Interval Leisure Group, Inc. Avril held various positions with Vistana over a 20-year period including Chief Financial Officer and President/Managing Director of Operations.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to join Diamond Resorts. With over 500,000 member and owner families, Diamond Resorts has had tremendous growth both organically and through strategic M&A opportunities – and it is clear there are significant opportunities to continue both," said Matt Avril, Appointed CEO, Diamond Resorts International®. "I look forward to the road ahead as we continue to enhance our guest experience and focus on strategic goals and initiatives across the business.”
“I have known Matt for years and am very pleased that he has accepted this role,” stated David Palmer, President and CEO, Diamond Resorts International®. “I have complete confidence in him and have no doubt that with his background and undeniable track record, he is well equipped to lead the global team to new heights.”
Effective December 31, 2016, David Palmer will retire as President and CEO of the Company. Palmer will continue to support Diamond Resorts over the next two years through an advisory role with the Company. Additionally, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Michael Flaskey will be promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer for Diamond Resorts.
David Sambur, Partner at Apollo and Chairman of Diamond Resorts’ parent company, said, “The management team and over 8,000 team members at Diamond Resorts have done an incredible job delivering industry leading hospitality experiences to the Company’s loyal members, owners and guests. We want to thank David for his leadership through this period of growth and success and wish him and his family the best after his retirement at the end of the year. We look forward to his continuing support of the Company in an advisory role. We are very excited to welcome Matt as the new CEO and are looking forward to working with him and the rest of the team to further grow and enhance the business. Further, we congratulate Mike on his promotion and are excited to work with him and benefit from his leadership in his expanded role.”
