PARSIPPANY, NJ—Wyndham Worldwide announced that Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of the global hospitality company’s timeshare exchange and vacation rental division, will succeed departing hotel division President and CEO Eric Danziger, who is leaving the company to pursue personal interests effective March 28, 2014.
“During the past five years, and through some very challenging global economic conditions, Eric provided leadership that strengthened Wyndham Hotel Group’s service to its franchisees, expanded its hotel management offerings, and significantly grew its global footprint,” said Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO, Wyndham Worldwide. “As a well-respected hotel industry veteran, Eric brought real passion for hospitality to Wyndham, and leaves our hotel division set on a strong course for the future. We thank him for his leadership, congratulate him on his legacy within our industry, and wish him all the best in the future.”
Aimbridge Hospitality CEO Dave Johnson, who spent 17 years at Wyndham International and is a former Wyndham Hotel president, said Danziger’s strength in leadership can be seen across Wyndham Hotel Group, its franchisees, and the industry as a whole. “He was integral in our relationship with Wyndham as a franchisee, and over the years we have become great friends,” Johnson said. “I wish him nothing but the best on his future endeavors.”
Ballotti joined Wyndham in 2008 as president and CEO of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals. Prior to joining Wyndham Worldwide, Ballotti spent 20 years in various leadership positions at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. During that time, he served as president of the North America division, where he led a portfolio of 450 hotels with 65,000 associates. His previous leadership roles included real estate development, call center and travel distribution management, marketing, sales, and regional multi-brand managed and franchised hotel and hospitality operations throughout North America and Europe.
“Geoff brings a unique perspective that combines his extensive experience building and growing storied hotel brands, as well as his proven track record of leveraging synergies among diverse hospitality segments and businesses throughout the world and at Wyndham Worldwide,” Holmes said. “Over the past six years, Geoff has led aggressive growth for our exchange and rentals businesses in both geographic reach and innovative offerings to customers. I am excited to now ask him to continue his leadership at Wyndham Hotel Group to further grow and strengthen our iconic hotel brands around the world.”
Following Ballotti’s transition to Wyndham Hotel Group, Gail Mandel, chief financial officer of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals will assume additional responsibilities as chief operating officer for the division, reporting to Holmes.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited on March 4, 2014, to add a quote from Aimbridge Hospitality CEO Dave Johnson.
I have been trying to contact someone about our timeshares since March. They promised to help us set up a vacation. I have called several times in the last four months and still have not heard from anyone.