ST. JOHN, USVI, February 19, 2008. David Yamada has been appointed general manager at the Westin St. John Resort and Villas effective February 1. Yamada is 17-year veteran of general management and has 35 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry.

Prior to becoming general manager at the Westin St. John, Yamada served for three years as general manager at Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel and Convention Center, where he lead a cluster sales team selling Renaissance, Courtyard and Residence Inn brands. Past positions also include serving as general manager at Bay Point Marriott Resort in Panama City Beach, FL, where he supervised the resort’s private beach and two championship golf courses and a spa.

Previously, Yamada served as consultant and contractor for the Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association conducting training sessions for high school juniors and seniors to prepare them for a nine week internship program at local hotels and resorts. Yamada served as general manager at the Renaissance Grand Beach Resort in St. Thomas, USVI.

A few of Yamada’s professional affiliations include chair and co-founder of St. Thomas/St. John Hospitality Focus Group and vice-chair of United Way Transportation and Hospitality in the Greater Dallas Area. Additionally, Yamada served as commissioner for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Reservations are available by calling the resort at 1-888-627-7206. For more information on The Westin St. John Resort & Villas, log onto:
www.westinresortstjohn.com.