DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Inspirato, the new destination club for a savvy generation of luxury consumers, has tapped senior executive Vilia Valentine for the company’s new role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
“We are extremely pleased to have Vilia join our team – especially during such an exciting time in our company’s growth,” says Brent Handler, Inspirato’s CEO and Co-Founder. “Her proven ability to increase investor value – particularly within new private equity-backed companies – will be a valuable asset to Inspirato as we continue to expand our portfolio of luxury homes at the world’s finest vacation destinations.”
A key member of the Inspirato executive management team, Valentine will oversee the accounting, finance and investor relations functions of the company. This senior appointment follows Inspirato’s latest round of equity funding – totaling $17.5 million – led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), and Forbes magazine naming Inspirato one of America’s Most Promising Companies.
“Inspirato is an energizing place to be right now,” says Valentine. “Our amazing growth trajectory coupled with our top-notch team is a great opportunity for someone like myself with a passion for entrepreneurial companies.”
Valentine joins Inspirato from MDC Holdings, a $1 billion public homebuilding and financial services company, where she served as the Principal Financial Officer.
Prior to MDC Holdings, Valentine spent four years as the CFO for Gaiam Inc., a leading producer and marketer of lifestyle media and fitness accessories. During Valentine’s tenure at Gaiam, annual revenues more than doubled and a secondary stock offering generated gross proceeds of approximately $100 million. Additionally, Valentine managed the successful IPO of Gaiam’s residential solar business, Real Goods Solar Inc., in May 2008.
Valentine has also served as CFO of Verio Inc., a Colorado-based web hosting company and internet service provider; and Vice President of Corporate Express, where she played a key role in the development of the multinational company’s $4 billion ascent through an IPO, two secondary offerings and debt issuances.
Valentine was named “CFO of the Year” for public companies by the Denver Business Journal in 2009. She was also recognized as one of Denver’s top ten business leaders in accounting in the Denver Business Journal’s 2009 Power Book.
A Colorado native, Valentine holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University.
The search that led to Valentine’s hiring was conducted by Spectrum Search Partners, an executive search firm based in Denver, Colo.
About Inspirato
Designed specifically for a new generation of luxury consumers, Inspirato offers the best of destination club consistency and service, together with unmatched value, flexibility and low-cost membership. The company’s mission is to revolutionize the way luxury travelers spend quality vacation time with their family and friends. Our members have access to a growing portfolio of luxury homes in the world’s top destinations, including California, the Caribbean, Colorado, France, Hawaii, Italy, London, Mexico, New York City and more. By leasing vacation properties (rather than owning), Inspirato is able to keep membership fees low, offer up to 80 percent off market rates, and easily add homes and destinations as demand increases. Our innovative business model has led to rapid growth since our January 2011 launch, placing Inspirato at the forefront of the “luxury for less” movement. For more information about Inspirato, visit www.inspirato.com.
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