LA QUINTA, Calif. (June 1, 2010) � James F. Pedone has been named the new executive director of sales and marketing at La Quinta Resort & Club, a 45-acre desert retreat known for its secluded ambiance, rich Hollywood legacy and historic Spanish Hacienda-style architecture.
 
In his new position, Pedone will oversee sales and marketing activities and programs for the legendary property, which encompasses 796 guest casitas and suites, 23 tennis courts, 41 swimming pools and 53 whirlpool spas, a 23,000-square-foot spa and 90 holes of award-winning golf at the resort and nearby PGA WEST.
 
According to Ben Fusco, area vice president for Hilton Resorts and Hotels-Operations, Pedone will bring invaluable sales and marketing expertise to the property. �Jim has many years of experience working with distinctive luxury resorts,� he said. �His depth of knowledge will be crucial as we continue to re-establish and reposition La Quinta Resort as one of California�s premiere destination properties.�
 
A seasoned hotel executive with more than 20 years of experience, Pedone was most recently vice president of sales and marketing for Hotels & Resorts of Halekulani, a position he held for six years. In his role with this venerable Hawaiian hotel company, Pedone directed the sales, marketing and public relations efforts for the 455-room landmark Halekulani and the 297-room Waikiki Parc Hotel, both luxurious oceanfront properties on Honolulu�s famed Waikiki Beach. 
 
In addition, he has served as director of sales and marketing for a number of other high-end hotels, including the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, the former Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena and the Hyatt Regency Hilton Head in South Carolina, as well as the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach. He was also the general manager for Adam�s Mark Hotels and Resorts in Houston and San Antonio, and began his career with Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. 
 
Pedone is affiliated with several professional organizations, among them the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Chaine de Rotisseurs.  
 
About La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST
La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST feature world-class accommodations, dining, golf, tennis and fitness. Known as The Western Home of Golf and Hospitality in America®, the world renowned destination is home to 90 holes of award-winning golf courses � designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg Norman and Tom Weiskopf � as well as instruction at the Jim McLean Golf School. In addition to great golf, La Quinta Resort features 796 elegantly appointed casitas, suites and villas; 23 tennis courts; the 23,000-square-foot Spa La Quinta® with 41 pools and 53 hot spas; and exceptional cuisine at Morgan�s in the desert, Twenty6 and Adobe Grill. La Quinta Resort & Club is a member of The Waldorf Astoria Collection. For more information, visit www.laquintaresort.com.