Delaware North Names Jim Houser as President of its Parks and Resorts Business

Longtime Delaware North executive will also lead company operations in Australia and Asia

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. March 20, 2015

BUFFALO, NY - March 20, 2015 - Jim Houser has been promoted to president of Delaware North's parks and resorts business, as well as company operations in Australia and Asia. Houser most recently served as chief operating officer of the parks and resorts business and company operations in Australia and Asia.

“Much of the incredible success and growth in our parks and resorts division over the last two years has been because of Jim's strong leadership, knowledge of the hospitality industry and excellent client management skills,” said Rick Abramson, who previously held the post before recently being elevated to executive vice president and chief operating officer of Delaware North. “Jim understands and appreciates the importance of our customers, clients and associates. With the talented team working with him, I am confident in Jim's ability to continue to bring innovation and passion to the business on a global level.”

A Delaware North veteran of more than 35 years, Houser began his career as a vendor with Delaware North Sportservice and steadily climbed the ranks to become general manager of the company's operation at the former Cinergy Field in Cincinnati.

Houser continued to prove that he was an exceptional leader and was promoted to director of labor relations and then chief operating officer of Delaware North Sportservice. In those roles, he managed the division's operations and its efforts to realize growth potential for concessions, fine dining and retail groups.

Houser's impact hasn't just been in operations; his leadership has touched virtually every corner of Delaware North's business. As vice president of administration - a role he held until 2012 - he oversaw Delaware North's facilities, supply management, security, culinary and retail departments, as well as its environmental management system, GreenPath®, and its customer service program, GuestPath®. He has also overseen the company's e-commerce and communications functions.

Prior to his role as vice president of administration, Houser served as vice president of facilities planning. As such, he managed Delaware North's multimillion-dollar portfolio of global design and construction projects in support of hospitality, food and retail services.

In 2006, Houser received the inaugural President's Award of Excellence - Delaware North's highest operational award. At that time, Delaware North President Chuck Moran cited Houser's unwavering commitment to operational excellence and his ability to support the company's strategies in a world-class manner.

Houser earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Cincinnati.

About Delaware North

Delaware North is one of the largest and most admired privately-held hospitality companies in the world. Founded and owned by the Jacobs family for nearly 100 years, it is a global leader in hospitality and food service with subsidiary and affiliate operations in the sports, travel hospitality, restaurants and catering, parks, resorts, gaming and specialty retail industries. Its portfolio includes high-profile venues ranging from sports stadiums, entertainment complexes, national parks, restaurants, airports, and some of the top regional casinos in the country. The company also owns a selection of award-winning destination resorts, as well as a series of premium restaurants and catering services that are leaders in the industry. Delaware North has annual revenue of $3 billion with 60,000 employee associates serving half a billion guests in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. “Delaware North” is a reference to Delaware North Companies Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries, including location-specific operating entities.

About Delaware North's parks and resorts business

Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality industry, operating lodging, recreational activities, food and beverage services, retail and educational programming at destinations throughout North America, Australia and Asia. Delaware North operates in many of the country's iconic national and state parks, including Yosemite National Park and Niagara Falls State Park, as well as at cultural attractions such as Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. Its portfolio also includes five luxury resorts in Australia. To learn more about Delaware North's hospitality management expertise, visit http://www.delawarenorth.com/parks-and-resorts-home.aspx.