Press Release
ORLANDO, FLA. – September 6, 2007 – The industry’s leading fractional ownership brand – The Ritz-Carlton Club – recently named Peter J. Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, LLC. Watzka is now responsible for the overall business performance of The Ritz-Carlton Club; select wholly-owned Ritz-Carlton Residences locations; and future business initiatives and product offerings.
“Pete possesses the vision and experience to elevate this facet of our business,” said Stephen P. Weisz, president of Marriott Vacation Club International (the interval ownership division of Marriott International, Inc.). “The opportunities within the luxury segment of our industry are vast. So, I’m delighted Pete has accepted this opportunity. Under his leadership, the business will be cultivated with great care and precision, particularly with our current growth schedule. By the end of 2009, we will have opened approximately six more properties, and initiated several more new sales starts.”
Watzka has enjoyed a diverse career with the company. Previously Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Watzka led disciplines related to customer interaction, sales and marketing, operations and owner services for the division’s brands. As an associate since 1990, Watzka has played an integral role in several areas of the business including strategic planning, new product development, brand management, partner alliances, and vacation and financial services.
Watzka began working in the resort real estate industry in 1972 with Boise Cascade Corporation in their recreational communities division. Later, he served as vice president of the Byrne Corporation, a resort developer in Hilton Head Island, S.C. He then became president of Performance Marketing Group, a marketing and sales organization specializing in resort and residential real estate based in Newport, R.I.
A Cornell University graduate, Watzka earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering.
About The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences
The Ritz-Carlton Club is a deeded, fractional ownership real estate offering combining the benefits of second home ownership with personalized Ritz-Carlton services and amenities. Designed as a private club, Members have the opportunity to access their luxuriously-appointed home Club or other Ritz-Carlton Clubs through reciprocal use privileges. Members also have the ability to utilize additional time as available, as well as enjoy exclusive benefits at Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide.
In the world’s most picturesque cities and resort destinations, The Ritz-Carlton redefines the concept of an elegant lifestyle with a wholly-owned real estate offering. In addition to the spaciously proportioned residences, Owners enjoy all the legendary amenities and service points that have been a hallmark of The Ritz-Carlton. Locations (affiliated with The Ritz-Carlton Club / The Ritz-Carlton Development Company): Abaco, The Bahamas; Kapalua Bay on Maui and Kauai Lagoons, Hawaii; San Francisco; and Miami’s South Beach.