Hotel Online  Special Report



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 Ken Brown Joins VingCard Elsafe As SVP
Marketing and Sales, North America
Former managing director of EDS, Brown brings technology and
customer-service culture to leading manufacturer of
electronic-locks and in-room safes

DALLAS - NOVEMBER 14, 2004 - To support its ongoing commitment to customer service and to help grow its portfolio of electronic-locking systems and in-room safe solutions for hotels and resorts in North America, VingCard Elsafe welcomes Ken Brown to the position of Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales.

Brown comes to VingCard Elsafe from Electronic Data Systems (EDS) where he most recently served as Managing Director of business development for EDS' Central U.S. region. EDS, a Fortune 500 company, provides a broad portfolio of business and technology solutions to help its clients worldwide improve their business performance. EDS' core portfolio comprises information technology, applications and business process services, as well as information technology transformation services.

"The hospitality industry is full of challenges today, especially the somewhat saturated electronic locks and in-room safes market," Brown said. "If there's one thing I love, it's a challenge. With a strong focus on marketing and customer service, I am driven to help VingCard Elsafe clearly distinguish its products and services in the marketplace, and better define our role in hospitality from among our competitors." 

While at EDS, Brown also served as VP of Global Sales until August 2002.  In this role, he was responsible for EDS' overall sales process across the world-increasing its sales from $11.8 billion in 1998 to more than $31 billion in 2001. His client focus and attention to detail helped him exceed his 2003 annual target by more than 193 percent.

Customer driven

Immediately, Brown will concentrate on leading a new initiative titled "We're Listening" which was designed to re-establish clearer lines of communication and accountability with VingCard Elsafe customers. Through this initiative, VingCard Elsafe will survey its 9,300 U.S.-based hotel customers to solicit their comments and suggestions on improving customer service and support. Eventually, all 33,000 properties worldwide will be contacted.

"Customer service has always been a top priority at VingCard Elsafe," Brown said. "Our ultimate goal through this program is to transform our current performance into new superior standards, from good service to great service. As an industry, the hospitality marketplace needs to raise its level of professionalism as it relates to customer care.  VingCard Elsafe is taking what we believe to be the first step towards this important goal."

Security will always be in the forefront of hospitality, critical to not only guests but to owners and operators as well, he said. Therefore, security products must constantly be updated and upgraded as a computer would be to ensure that the needs of all parties are being met.

"At VingCard Elsafe, we will not only stand accountable for the service and support standards we offer, but we will stand accountable for all products on the market, making sure that our hotels are the providing the safest environment possible," Brown said. "When security counts . .  . you can count on VingCard Elsafe."

About VingCard Elsafe

The world leader in hotel security technology, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality has products installed in more than 33,000 properties worldwide, securing in excess of 5.5 million hotel rooms. The ASSA ABLOY Group, a publicly listed company, is a world leader in security and hospitality systems. VingCard provides numerous electronic locking system solutions, including traditional magnetic-stripe and smartcard systems, fully integrated PMS interface software solutions and worldwide service and support. Elsafe provides the only UL-listed (1037) hotel safe series on the market today in keypad and card-based models. Safes that include an internal power outlet to support recharging of laptops and camcorders also are available with a UL listing. Elsafe customers also enjoy the same worldwide service and support. The ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Group is dedicated to the hospitality. For more information on VingCard Elsafe, visit www.vingcard.com or www.elsafe.com.


 
Contact:

Riise Walker
Marketing Coordinator
VingCard Elsafe
Tel:  (972) 692-3167
[email protected]

Barb Worcester
President/Principal
PRPRO
Tel: (440) 930-5770
[email protected]
 

Also See: Four Cornerstones Ensure Sound Principles and Fair Business Practices For ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Brands (Elsafe, Timelox, VingCard and INHOVA) / May 2003
Elsafe Renews Global Agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to Supply In-Room Safes / March 2003
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan Upgrades to VingCard Locking System to Enhance Guest Security and Convenience / March 2003
Elsafe Selected to Provide In-room Safes to Accor Hotels Worldwide / Dec 2002


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