Speakers

Preben Vestdam is the founder of HotelSwaps, an innovative internet-based exchange programme, where hotel owners and hotel management companies can barter their un-used hotel rooms between each other based on HotelSwaps Points. The system allows hotels to reward their employees with free hotel stays around the world, thereby increasing staff retention within their hotel operation at a very low cost.

HotelSwaps is a part of Valhalla Associates where Preben also serves as president. Valhalla Associates offers advisory and management services to developers of luxury mixed-use hotels and resorts including turn-key project management of resort residential projects. Prior to Valhalla Associates, Preben was president of NorthCourse, the resort real estate advisory business of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation where he established the NorthCourse business globally and developed its product line across four continents. Within Wyndham, Preben earlier held the position as President & CEO of Group RCI in Europe & Middle East where he managed large points-based exchange programs for the Vacations Ownership and Private Residence Club industry with over 500,000 active members within the region.

Before joining Wyndham, Preben served as head of marketing for JPMorgan Asset Management in EMEA. His background also includes holding the position as vice president of rewards and usage with American Express in Europe, which involved the management of the Membership Rewards points loyalty program. Earlier in his career Preben was marketing director for Club Med based in Paris and he has also held various sales positions within IBM in Denmark.

A native of Denmark, Preben holds a M.Sc. in Economics from Copenhagen School of Economics and a MBA from IMD in Switzerland.