LAS VEGAS—Diamond Resorts International announced that David Palmer, formerly president and chief financial officer, has become president and chief executive officer of the company. Al Bentley, who had been serving as executive vice president – Europe, has assumed the position of executive vice president and chief financial officer. Founder and principal shareholder Stephen J. Cloobeck remains chairman of the company. These appointments were effective January 1.
“David and Al are incredibly strong leaders, and I have the utmost confidence in their abilities to continue to lead and grow our business around the world. As founder and chairman of the company, I will continue in my role as the senior strategist on our expansion and acquisition program, as well as the chief steward and ambassador for The Meaning of Yes, our unwavering commitment to the highest levels of global customer service. 2012 was a fantastic year for the company, our business is strong and our prospects even brighter,” said Cloobeck.
Mr. Palmer, age 51, has served as president since September 20, 2010, and is a member of the Board. He has served as chief financial officer of Diamond Resorts International and its subsidiaries since April 2007, and he served as executive vice president until his promotion to president in September 2010. Palmer has over 20 years of experience as a private equity/financial professional. Palmer served as a managing director of Trivergance LLC, which he co-founded from its formation in June 2006 to July 2010.
Mr. Bentley, age 52, has served as executive vice president of Diamond Resorts Parent LLC and its subsidiaries since April 2007. Bentley is also a partner at Mackinac Partners LLC, a financial advisory firm which has provided services to DRP since April 2007. Bentley has over 30 years of broad-based business experience with extensive expertise in the areas of corporate restructuring, business management and strategic planning, complex financing transactions, capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, and financial and SEC reporting. Prior to joining Mackinac, Mr. Bentley was a managing director at KPMG LLP and a senior manager at Arthur Andersen & Co. In addition, Bentley served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Swifty Serve Corporation and Pic N’ Save, Inc. He is a also Certified Public Accountant.
