Press Release
DALLAS, TX -- Wyndham International, Inc. (NYSE:WYN) yesterday announced a three-year, national sports consulting
contract with ABC-TV sports commentator and former All-Pro Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Lynn Swann, laying
the foundation for Wyndham to begin a new national sales initiative focused on the collegiate and professional
sports market.
As part of the consulting contract, Swann will assist Wyndham with developing its annual sports marketing plan
and make ten special appearances on Wyndham's behalf at trade shows, employee events and other company special
events. Wyndham is also assigning two national sales representatives to work with Swann, responsible for booking
the incremental sales business brought to the company through this new initiative.
``Not only is Lynn Swann one of the greatest football athletes in the history of the game, but he is also an astute
business leader, an outstanding role model and a consummate gentleman,'' said Fred J. Kleisner, chairman and chief
executive officer of Wyndham International. ``This new alliance provides Wyndham with unlimited new business opportunities
for our upscale and luxury hotel properties while also yielding invaluable knowledge in further understanding collegiate
and professional sports sales and marketing.''
Lynn Swann emerged as a football star at the University of Southern California before being drafted by the Pittsburgh
Steelers in the first round during the 1974 draft. He helped lead the Steelers to several Super Bowl victories
and was named MVP for Super Bowl X in 1976. Swann began appearing on television sports programs in 1976 while still
active with the Steelers. Upon retirement in 1983, Swann began his career full-time with ABC Sports, which continues
through today. He has broadcast a variety of events as a host, reporter and analyst. Away from work, Swann is the
National Spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and serves on the national board of directors. He
has created a youth scholarship fund for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, which has benefited hundreds of
talented students.
Wyndham International, Inc. (NYSE:WYN) offers upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations through proprietary
lodging brands and a management services division. Based in Dallas, Wyndham International owns, leases, manages
and franchises hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. For more information,
visit www.wyndham.com. For reservations call 800-WYNDHAM.
--------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Wyndham International, Dallas
Darcie M. Brossart, 214/863-1335