Intrawest Names Executive Management Team for the Westin Imagine Orlando

Mike Speicher the Opening General Manager

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. October 14, 2008

ORLANDO, FL, March 17, 2008. Intrawest Hospitality Management (IHM), a worldwide resort management company with 10 properties throughout North America, Canada and France announces the executive management team of The Westin Imagine Orlando.

Located across from the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla., The Westin Imagine Orlando opens April 3, 2008 and is the newest upscale hotel providing both business and leisure travelers luxury accommodations and easy access to the nation's second largest convention center.

"With the innovative services and a distinctive Westin culture, we are confident that The Westin Imagine Orlando will set a new standard of hospitality in Orlando," said Mike Speicher, general manager of The Westin Imagine Orlando.

Mike Speicher, General Manager

Speicher is charged with the overall day-to-day operational and management responsibilities of The Westin Imagine Orlando. He will hire and manage a staff of more than 200 associates, dedicated to delivering the luxurious Westin brand of service to each and every guest. Speicher draws on more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, 12 years of which were acquired with Renaissance Hotels and Resorts across the Southeast, Texas and Colorado. In 1999, Speicher joined the Intrawest Corporation as part of the management team at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and spent eight years growing the resort into one of the largest destination resorts in Florida.

Matt Boris, Director of Lodging

"Building a strong team of associates requires the right mixture of enthusiasm and knowledge." Boris oversees guest experience operations from reception to housekeeping. Boris draws on his 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry with prior Westin experience from his previous role with The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.

Cheryl Cain, Director of Revenue Management

Cain began her career in hospitality in Central Florida with previous management experience at the Greenleaf Resort and, more recently, at The Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites. "Revenue management is focused on strategic planning and must go hand in glove with sales and marketing initiatives."

Bob Geller, Director of Sales & Marketing

Geller has direct oversight of the hotel's sales team and is responsible for sales, marketing and public relations to deliver The Westin brand promise through guest experience. Geller's sales and marketing experience includes working for celebrated hospitality leaders such as Adam's Mark Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Doral Conference Center and Hilton Hotels.

Cheryl Gromlich, Sales Manager

Gromlich is a sales professional with more than 20 years of experience in travel and tourism. Previously, Gromlich was with the Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando Marriott Downtown. Keys to success for Gromlich include "passion, relationships and hospitality."

Jennifer Lewis, Sales Manager, CMP

With more than 10 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Lewis thrives on growth, networking and building partnerships with her clients and guests. Prior to her role with The Westin Imagine Orlando, Lewis was with the House of Blues, Doubletree Castle Hotel, Church Street Station and Wet 'n Wild in successful sales management roles.

Richard Mendoza, Executive Chef

European-trained, Chef Mendoza takes the helm at Fiorella's Cucina Toscana at The Westin Imagine Orlando. Chef Mendoza's award-winning expertise includes previous roles with Atlanta Renaissance Downtown, Atlanta Marriott Northwest, Renaissance Vinoy Resort, as well as several noteworthy fine dining restaurants. "My culinary point of view is authentic, rustic ingredients and presentation. Food should be exciting and fun."

Rick Pelletier, Director of Engineering

"Safety and comfort are my top priorities for the overall guest experience." Pelletier's former management roles include a 16-year career as the engineering director of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Michigan before moving to Florida with the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort team.

Stewart Smith, Director of Food and Beverage

With more than 25 years of experience in food and beverage and hospitality management, Smith's philosophy is simple, "Welcome every guest into the hotel as if they were visiting your home." Smith joins The Westin team from Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza as well as previous leadership roles at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Robin Ward, Director of Human Resources

"Westin is more than a hotel; it is a destination where we want our guests to leave feeling rested, energized and renewed. Our associates are the key to this experience." Ward draws on her 25 years of hospitality and corporate human resources management including Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, Ward was with the former Westin Grand Bohemian and part of the 'best brand' award-winning team in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

The Art Deco, modernist style identified with Florida transpires throughout the 12-story building and into the well appointed 315 hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites. All rooms feature The Westin Heavenly Bed(R), Heavenly Bath(R) and high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include The Westin WORKOUT(R) fitness center, a lagoon-style pool and an upscale, contemporary restaurant; Fiorella's Cucina Toscana. The Westin Imagine Orlando also offers a lively cocktail lounge and 24 hour in-room dining. For meetings and banquets, The Westin Imagine Orlando offers 7,200 square feet of meeting space with five function rooms, plus outdoor event venues. All areas of meeting space are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, a public address system and wireless high-speed Internet access.