Diamond Resorts Appoints VP, Marketing, Western Region
JUNE 13, 2008. Diamond Resorts International(R) (DRI), a global leader in the hospitality industry, has appointed Brad H. Benson as Vice President, Marketing, Western Region for DRI. Benson's nearly 20-year span of industry experience will guide marketing initiatives for all DRI's western operations including key destinations in Hawaii, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona. Benson's appointment supports DRI's quest to build an innovative, dynamic and experienced global marketing team led by vacation ownership marketing expert, James R. Danz ("Jim"), DRI's Chief Marketing Officer.
"Brad epitomizes DRI's theme of 'DRIven(SM) to Excellence' as demonstrated by his impressive track record, commitment to success, proven leadership skills, and a desire to dominate the marketplace," says Jim Danz, "His background and operational philosophy fit well into our brand tenets of simplicity, choice and comfort."
Benson has held senior marketing positions at Wyndham Vacation Ownership (Fairfield), The Shell Group, Hilton Grand Vacations Company, Vacation Internationale and most recently as Project Director - Marketing for Marriott Vacation Club International's Grand Chateau in Las Vegas. Benson was a winner of the prestigious Gold "ARDY" for prospect generation during his tenure at Hilton Grand Vacations Company and he is involved with teaching a course on timeshare marketing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.
"It is encouraging to see many of the industry's most well respected and proven professionals actively pursuing DRI to be a part of our team," said Simon Crawford-Welch, DRI's President & Chief Operating Officer. "Since acquiring this company in April of 2007, we have been gradually and systematically building a world-class organization across all functional areas of the company. Brad's addition to our marketing team is one more step that allows us to lead the pack, execute innovative marketing programs and generate hundreds of thousands of cost effective tours on a global scale."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
