Payam Sahihi, Director of Retail
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

"I am very excited about this opportunity to further extend the Gaylord Opryland and Gaylord Hotels brands. My goal and passion is to establish Gaylord Opryland Retail as the premier shopping destination in the hotel and convention industry. Gaylord Opryland will have a shopping experience to rival any cosmopolitan boutiques and purveyors of luxury goods. I am looking forward to partnering with the foremost luxury brands in the industry, as well as providing our valued guests with merchandise produced exclusively for Gaylord Hotels."

Payam Sahihi is the director of retail at Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center and is a member of Gaylord Opryland’s Leadership committee. Sahihi heads the hotel’s multi-million dollar retail division, which carries merchandise ranging from fashion and fine jewelry, to logo leisurewear and sundries sold in the 16 boutiques throughout the resort.

Sahihi’s mission is for the retail division to apply the highest standards of excellence to purchasing, merchandising and service to the guests. He believes that trust is an integral part of the retail division. Sahihi recalls a statement by Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, which perhaps sums it up best, “Where companies at one time could spread their message through traditional marketing, consumers now seek an enduring emotional connection with the companies they patronize. The foundation of that connection is the most important characteristic of building a world-class brand: trust. Trust with your people and trust with your customers."

Sahihi and his exceptional team of retailers look forward to leveraging Gaylord Opryland’s brand equity, as they build a world-class brand of boutiques for patronage by their valued guests. As the director of retail, Sahihi will also direct the development and operation of the resort’s new upscale retail district. This area will provide a unique shopping experience that focuses on providing merchandise to business and leisure guests not typically found in resorts. Because his approach to work is to be “hands on” in all aspects, he is involved in everything from leasing to design to product development and store layout.

Sahihi joined Gaylord Hotels in early 2007. Prior to joining Gaylord, Sahihi served as Director of Retail to numerous Las Vegas mega resorts, including Caesars Palace, Paris Hotel and Casino, Bally’s Hotel and Casino and the Las Vegas Hilton.

Sahihi received his education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He and his wife, Effie, have two children, Lily and Kamran, and reside in Sumner, Tennessee.

< Back To Meet Our Senior Leaders