Wanda Hairston Appointed Chief Operating Officer of Abercrombie & Kent Destinations; Most Successful Destination Club Company Continues Leadership Growth

SOUTHPORT, Conn.--April 4, 2005--Rob McGrath, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Destinations, the inventor of today’s booming Destination Club industry, today announces Wanda Hairston as the company’s chief operating officer, expanding her role as a key executive and positioning the company for growth and expansion.


In her new role, Hairston will steer the company’s executive committee and sharpen its focus in two vital areas: exceeding Member expectations by constantly improving amenities and services and ensuring consistent asset quality and experience across all destinations. Hairston is based at the company’s Reston, Virginia, office.

“Wanda’s vision is crystal clear when it comes to raising the bar even higher on our Destination Club Member services and the unparalleled experiences we offer,” says McGrath. “With Wanda’s stronger involvement in our operations and leadership, we will continue to hold the distinct position of being the innovators of the Destination Club category and leader in the industry.”

Since joining Abercrombie & Kent Destinations, Hairston has played in an integral role in the development and management of each of the Destination Clubs’ real estate portfolios, including introducing the Abercrombie & Kent Concierge Villas North America business that she has run since 2004. She is a seasoned operations and sales executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the service industry. Before joining the company in 2003, Hairston was the senior vice president for sales of Simplexity Inc., responsible for the sales and implementation of partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. Prior to that, she was a division president for Eastern U.S. operations of Rentokil Services and responsible for 150 offices and more than $250 million in revenue. She also has held executive management positions at Advantage Services Inc. and Avon.

“Since its inception, Abercrombie & Kent Destinations has set the highest level of standards for the Destination Club industry,” says Hairston. “I am privileged to be part of such a passionate and committed company and look forward to working with the entire organization to establish more precedents for others to follow.”

In 1998, Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs began what will soon become a billion-dollar Destination Club industry with a trend setting alternative to owning a second or third home and a commitment to provide unmatched, unique traveling experiences. Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs Members have virtually unlimited 365-days-a-year access to 150 multimillion-dollar residences in 35 world-class resort destinations and receive much more than a luxurious vacation home. Each getaway is custom tailored with an unmatched combination of amenities and services that include a 24-hour, on-call concierge service, private chefs, professional Retreat Coordinators and Destination Specialists who assist in arranging the most exclusive excursions in every destination. Members also enjoy other world-class assets, such as a fleet of charter jets and private watercraft.

About Abercrombie & Kent Destinations

Headquartered in Southport, Conn., Abercrombie & Kent Destinations (www.akdestinations.com) operates four divisions, including Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs, A&K Jets, A&K Concierge Villas North America and A&K Towne Clubs. As the leader in providing effortless leisure, social and professional lifestyle management services, the company satisfies the needs of affluent, active individuals for whom travel is an essential part of their lifestyle.

As the innovator of the Destination Club industry, Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs is in its seventh year of operations. It is the only company to offer 365-days-a-year unlimited access to multimillion-dollar residences in 35 destinations, a 100% refundable membership deposit and worldwide access to Abercrombie & Kent journeys, cruises and safaris. The Clubs’ Proprietary Capacity Model, a technology developed through years of experience, virtually assures Members can travel whenever and wherever they choose.

Contact Information

Andrea Roebker

Media Contact

Abercrombie & Kent Destinations

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