Las Vegas Retail Executive Comes to Gaylord Opryland Resort

Payam Sahihi named new director of retail.

Nashville, Tenn.—( April 26, 2007 ) Gaylord Opryland® Resort and Convention Center today announced that Payam Sahihi has been named the resort’s Director of Retail. He will also be a member of Gaylord Opryland’s Leadership Committee management team. Sahihi will use his 18 years of retail experience to direct all business related to the resort’s thirteen retail spaces.

“Payam brings the expertise needed to enhance our retail services to fit the newly evolving contemporary style of our unique landmark property,” shared Arthur Keith senior vice president and general manager, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. “Payam is the right person to take the lead as we work toward creating the ultimate shopping experience at Gaylord Opryland.”

Some of the many retail enterprises Sahihi will oversee include: Savannah’s, an exclusive women’s shop which has a personal shopper service; Amelia’s, which offers a contemporary and fun selection of casual and career separates; The Godiva Chocolatier, specializing in creamy luscious chocolates; Sounds of the Grande Ole Opry® & More which offers and extensive selection of music and related gifts; Delta Gifts and Décor which carries exclusive wine accessories, and posh gifts; plus the resort’s three gift and sundries shops and four other retail spaces.

Prior to joining Gaylord Opryland, Sahihi served as director of retail for the Las Vegas Hilton, Caesars Palace, the Paris Hotel and Casino and Bally’s Hotel and Casino. In his last position Sahihi was responsible for retail operations encompassing two hotel casino properties which consisted of 21 stores, each offering a distinct product line.

Sahihi received his education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is married with two children.

For a photo of Payam Sahihi, click HERE.

To learn more about shopping at Gaylord Opryland Resort, go to http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordopryland/dining_activities/shopping.cfm.

ABOUT GAYLORD OPRYLAND NASHVILLE
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center – the largest non-gaming in-hotel facility in the continental United States – is known for providing superior products and services to the meetings and convention industry. Winner of numerous prestigious awards including the coveted Gold Key Elite Award in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and Gold Platter Elite in 2004, 2005 and 2006, Gaylord Opryland Nashville is the flagship property of the Gaylord Hotels brand owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.gaylordentertainment.com or www.gaylordopryland.com.

Media Contacts:
Ann Dee McClane amcclane@gaylordhotels.com 615.458.2896
Kim Keelor kkeelor@gaylordhotels.com 615.458-2877

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