Michael Flaskey Named CEO and Ken Siegel Named President and CAO
MARCH 3, 2017 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts International® (“Diamond Resorts”), a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, today announced the promotions of Michael Flaskey and Ken Siegel, as well as the retirement of Matthew Avril due to family and personal reasons. Avril will continue as an advisor to Apollo and the Company’s management during his retirement.
Diamond Resorts’ current Chief Operating Officer, Michael Flaskey, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, while current General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, Ken Siegel, has been named President.
Diamond Resorts Chairman of the Board, David Sambur commented, “I wish to thank Matt for the significant contributions he made during his tenure as CEO and I wish him and his family well. Matt was integral in the recent rollout of industry-leading initiatives that have improved the customer experience for our members. I understand and support his decision to retire and I am grateful that he has agreed to remain as an advisor to Apollo and the Company’s management.”
Avril stated, “After considered reflection, I have concluded that I need to step away and retire as CEO of Diamond Resorts. I am grateful to the Board, as well as all of the Diamond Resorts team members, for their support and understanding during this challenging time for me and my family. I believe that the Company has a bright future ahead and I look forward to working as an advisor to Apollo and the Company as Diamond Resorts continues its efforts to deliver outstanding vacation experiences for our owners and members.”
“Diamond Resorts is fortunate to have a strong and deep executive leadership team and I wish to congratulate Mike and Ken on their promotions. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries and has been instrumental in setting and implementing the company’s strategic direction. Ken is also an industry leader whose experience and valuable insights will play an important role as we continue to grow the company. Both Mike and Ken share an unwavering focus on maintaining the highest levels of customer service, which is at the center of the Company’s success,” Sambur added.
Michael Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Flaskey has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in publicly and privately-held companies, with a key focus on growth-oriented companies within the vacation ownership industry. He previously held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Diamond Resorts from 2014 to 2016, and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, North America for Diamond Resorts from 2010 to 2014. Throughout Mr. Flaskey’s tenure at Diamond Resorts, the Company has achieved unprecedented growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions, as Diamond Resorts has shifted the traditional timeshare marketing and sales model to a hospitality-infused process that includes a high-touch upstream engagement stance, providing guests with a service-first approach to marketing and sales.
Prior to Diamond Resorts, Mr. Flaskey held key senior executive roles with Starwood Vacation Ownership and Fairfield Resorts (now Wyndham Vacation Ownership). He has a track record of recruiting and developing top talent and is a culture-conscious, performance-driven executive with a history of excellent results, while always placing guest satisfaction first.
Ken Siegel, President and Chief Administrative Officer
Kenneth Siegel has over 20 years of experience as a senior leader of major corporations. Prior to Diamond, he was Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. As a key member of the Starwood leadership team, Mr. Siegel was intimately involved in Starwood’s emergence as an industry leader prior to its acquisition by Marriott International in 2016. In addition to his legal and administrative responsibilities, he played a pivotal role in Starwood’s transition to an asset-light business and was the architect of transactions that drove both top- and bottom-line benefits through industry-leading initiatives.
Prior to joining Starwood, Mr. Siegel spent four years as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Cognizant Corporation and its successor companies. Cognizant, a multinational information services company, was originally comprised of IMS Health Inc., Nielsen Media Research and The Gartner Group.
About Diamond Resorts International®
Diamond Resorts International, with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.®
Diamond Resorts International® manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.