Diamond Hires Brian Garavuso as EVP/CIO

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

APRIL 24, 2008. Diamond Resorts International(R) (DRI), a global leader in the vacation ownership industry, has appointed Brian P. Garavuso, CHTP as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, responsible for the global leadership of the information technology department providing strategic development and operational guidance and implementation in alignment with DRI's business objectives. Garavuso joins a team of seasoned professionals working globally toward a unified and innovative technology and communications platform.

Garavuso's experience in the vacation ownership and the hospitality industry spans almost 30 years with engagements at Marquis Hotels and Resorts, South Seas Resorts, Meristar Hotels and Resorts and Interstate Hotels and Resorts. During those tenures, Garavuso held positions as Vice President Accounting, Vice President Hospitality Information Technology and Chief Technology Officer guiding the technology strategy and implementation for diverse and uniformly successful projects such as the consolidation of call center operations, sales force automation, telecommunications and business intelligence; supporting more than 300 properties generating over $2.5 billion in revenue. Garavuso's most recent engagement was as Chief Information Officer at Hilton Grand Vacation Club and resulted in significant operational and technology efficiencies due to the reorganization of infrastructure and the enhancement of legacy systems.

"Much of the challenge we face in a competitive landscape is the ability to utilize technology in a way that differentiates our product, communications and sales processes," says Simon Crawford-Welch, Ph.D., RRP, President and COO of DRI. "Brian's expertise and knowledge in available technology options, e-commerce alternatives and the vacation ownership marketplace make his engagement pivotal in our goal to build our longevity and leadership position in the industry."

Garavuso is a Certified Hospitality Technology Professional; A Member of the Association of Information Technology Professionals; A Board Member of the Hospitality Industry Financial and Technology Professionals Association; and a Member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association Technology Steering Committee. He received his BA, Business Administration / Accounting from the University of Southern Florida.

"Technology is a pivotal function that no vacation ownership company can neglect," says Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DRI. "With a global workforce of thousands and 14 countries in which we operate or manage resorts, superior connectivity, communications and innovative technology solutions, tied at the hip with our marketing and service strategies technology, will allow us to maintain efficiencies and the support for our planned growth. Having Brian onboard with his knowledge and experience will empower our over 5000 team members in delivering the DRI brand at every consumer touch-point."