Paul Ratchford Named President and Managing Director of The Greenbrier

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Greenbrier, the world-renowned AAA Five Diamond resort, today announced the appointment of Paul Ratchford as president and managing director, effective October 23. Ratchford brings 32 years of hospitality experience to this position. Since 2003, he has served as general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay near San Francisco.

"We are very excited about bringing Paul Ratchford's strategic vision, vast experience and seasoned leadership to The Greenbrier and its talented team," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and CEO of CSX Corporation, The Greenbrier's parent company. "The Greenbrier is the icon of service excellence in CSX, and I am highly confident that Mr. Ratchford will build on that tradition."

Prior to his role at Half Moon Bay, also a AAA Five Diamond property, Ratchford was managing director at The Argent Hotel in San Francisco, managing director at the Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite, California, and vice president of resort operations at the Pebble Beach Company. Previously, he served in senior leadership roles at The Ritz-Carlton, where he opened several flagship properties, including Laguna Niguel, Buckhead and Naples. A Georgia native, Ratchford received a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations from University of Georgia in 1977.

In addition to his role at The Greenbrier resort, Ratchford will serve as president of The Greenbrier Resort and Club Management Company, which manages properties including the Boca Bay Pass Club in Boca Grande, Florida, and as president of The Greenbrier Sporting Club Development Company LLC, a joint venture involved in real estate development, club operations and amenity management.

Ratchford succeeds Ted Kleisner, who is retiring after more than 25 years with The Greenbrier. "Ted Kleisner is a third-generation hotelier and will always be regarded as an integral part of The Greenbrier's rich and successful history," Ward said. "The Greenbrier is one of only three properties to maintain AAA Five Diamond status since the inception of the rating, and Ted has played a significant role in that success. On behalf of the entire Greenbrier team, I wish him the best."

A National Historic Landmark in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, The Greenbrier represents 228 years of history with its classic architecture, exquisite interior design, carefully sculpted landscape, impeccable service and outstanding amenities. This property offers 802 rooms, including 33 suites and 97 guest and estate houses. The Greenbrier has 10 lobbies, over 40 meeting rooms and a complete conference center facility. Guests enjoy over 50 recreational activities including three championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a 40,000 square foot spa, and a wide variety of other amenities. The Greenbrier provides accommodations and activities to please individuals, couples, families and conference groups.

The Greenbrier, The Greenbrier Resort and Club Management Company and The Greenbrier Sporting Club Development Company are affiliates of CSX Corporation, one of the nation's leading transportation companies.

Source: The Greenbrier

CONTACT: Lynn R. Swann, Manager of Public Relations of The Greenbrier,
+1-304-536-7857

Web site: http://www.csx.com/