"John's arrival is tremendous news for Gaylord Hotels. We are fortunate to be able to recruit someone of John's caliber into this critical role," Reed said. "As we bring our upscale Gaylord Hotels brand to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and continue to establish our destination resorts across the country, we must do it with gifted leaders like John."

Imaizumi has extensive experience in the hospitality industry and will oversee the hotel's operations. With 17 years' experience in the hospitality and hotel management business, Imaizumi joins Gaylord Hotels from Ian Schrager Hotels in New York, where he served as vice president of operations and most recently as chief administrative officer. He was also employed by Marriott Hotels and Resorts for more than eight years. During that time, he served as controller of Marriott's Hilton Head resort and was part of the team that opened Marriott's first 1,674-room "Marquis Mega" hotel in Atlanta, Ga. Imaizumi also assisted in task force operations for the opening of Marriott's Orlando World Center.

In addition to his work with Marriott, Imaizumi was previously hotel manager and director of operations for the Fairmont Hotel Dallas, where he successfully coordinated and completed a $20 million guestroom renovation.

"I am excited to join Gaylord as we prepare to open our beautiful Texas property and host and entertain Gaylord Hotels' many loyal guests," Imaizumi said. "The resort is truly beginning to take shape, and we will build a dynamic team that will complement this magnificent property and represent our company in the Grapevine community."

A 10-year resident of nearby Coppell, Texas, Imaizumi will direct and manage day-to-day operations at the resort, which will employ approximately 1,550 people when fully staffed before next year's April 2004 grand opening.

Gaylord Opryland Texas, which is now 60 percent complete, is on budget and on schedule, according to Reed. The hotel will be the only destination resort and convention center of its kind between Florida and Las Vegas. Its 400,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting, convention, exhibition and pre-function space will include exhibition offices, permanent registration desks and green rooms. Guests will be able to stroll down a replica of the San Antonio Riverwalk, through the Lone Star Atrium and into the Hill Country under one climate-controlled domed enclosure. 

Gaylord Opryland Texas Resort & Convention Center is a property of Gaylord Entertainment, a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn.