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EXHIBIT 99.1
Media Contact: Tom Adkinson
615/316-6302
[email protected]
Investor Contact: J. Russell Worsham
615/316-6564
[email protected]
TERRY LONDON RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT, CEO OF GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT;
BOARD CHAIRMAN E.K. GAYLORD II ASSUMES INTERIM ROLE
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 31, 2000)--Gaylord Entertainment Company (NYSE: GET)
today announced the resignation of Terry E. London as president and chief
executive officer and said the company's chairman, E.K. Gaylord II, will assume
the role of interim president and CEO.
London, who has been a part of the Gaylord organization since 1978, said, "After
22 years with the company, I have decided it is the right time for me to resign
as president and CEO."
"We have a good plan and strategy in place," London said. "We have key
leadership on board. The company is in good shape and ready to go forward. That
enables me to leave now and focus on some other things that are very important
to me."
Commenting on the move, E.K. Gaylord II said, "From knowing and working with
Terry London for the past 22 years, I understand and respect the decision he has
made. Our friendship will endure. I wish him and his family the very best and
Godspeed. As interim CEO, I will keep our team focused and motivated. We have an
approved plan, and we will stick to it."
London said, "I greatly appreciate the opportunity the company and the Gaylord
family have given me. There are few organizations such as this one that have
consistently created shareholder value through innovative and creative
investments while also maintaining a standard of honesty and integrity."
"I want to thank all the wonderful employees who have supported me and who have
given their talent and time to make Gaylord Entertainment a great place to be. I
am confident the success will continue."
Gaylord Entertainment is a diversified entertainment company whose businesses
operate in three groups: hospitality and attractions, creative content and
interactive media. Its headquarters are in Nashville, Tenn., and its stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: GET).
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