Intrawest Appoints John Russell as SVPO at Sandestin

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. January 19, 2009

JANUARY 19, 2009 - Russell will be responsible for all aspects of Sandestin's resort operations and he will also serve as the Regional Vice President, Intrawest Hospitality Management for the Marriott Courtyard and Marriott Residence Inn, both located at Sandestin, as well as Cottage Rental Agency in Seaside, Florida.

Russell will report directly to Brian Collins, President at Intrawest.

Prior to joining Intrawest, Russell was a partner in The West Paces Hotel Group, which was established in 2003. During his tenure he held several executive level positions including Vice President and Managing Director at The Daufuskie Island Resort and Breathe Spa in South Carolina (March 2006 to present) and Vice President and General Manager at The Hotel at Auburn University in Alabama (February 2003 to March 2006).

Throughout his career, Russell has held General Manager positions at seven different properties across two premier international hotel brands, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, from 1994-2003, and the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, from 1979-1994. During his nine year tenure with the Ritz-Carlton, he managed several luxury hotels including properties in Virginia and the largest Ritz-Carlton hotel operation in the U.S., located in New Orleans. Russell also served as opening General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton in San Juan (Puerto Rico), which was recognized as the "Best hotel in the Caribbean" by Travel and Leisure magazine during its first year of operation.

"Sandestin has a reputation as a premier destination resort in Northwest Florida with a proud heritage and strong ties to the local community," said Bill Jensen, chief executive officer at Intrawest. "John is an industry veteran and he brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a solid background in hotel and resort management in the southeastern United States and around the world. Under John's leadership we will continue to deliver unique and memorable experiences for our resort guests, homeowners and employees at Sandestin."

Russell graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University. He also taught Hospitality Finance in the College of Human Sciences while serving as the Vice-President and General Manager at the Hotel at Auburn University.