Leon Shapiro Named CEO Of Vistage International

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vistage International, Inc. ("Vistage") on Friday, February 22 announced that Leon Shapiro will become CEO. Mr. Shapiro, who currently serves as chairman of the board at Vistage, is an experienced executive who has held leadership positions in other leading executive organizations including Gartner, Inc. and The Advisory Board Company.  Vistage International is the world's foremost CEO peer advisory membership organization, with more than 16,000 members in 15 countries.

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Rafael Pastor will transition out of his role as chief executive officer effective March 31.  Since joining in 2004, Rafael has led Vistage through a period of substantial growth and a recent successful recapitalization. Mr. Pastor will continue to be a significant investor in Vistage and will remain a member of the company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Shapiro remarked: "I am delighted to become CEO of Vistage and lead such a talented, dynamic and dedicated group of employees, Chairs and members.  The strength of the Vistage mission and the breadth of our growing community will provide a solid foundation for accelerating growth."

In a meeting with his staff on Friday, Mr. Pastor stated, "We have a highly successful company because we have an extraordinary community of caring and gifted people.  I eagerly look forward to continuing to serve on Vistage's Board and to helping Vistage reach its fullest potential."

Travis Nelson, a Managing Director of TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P., added: "On behalf of the Board, we thank Rafael for his dedication to Vistage and recognize his many valuable contributions over the years.  Under his leadership, Vistage has strengthened its brand, grown its membership, expanded its offerings and developed a broader international presence. We look forward to Rafael's continued contributions as a member of the Vistage Board.  Looking ahead, the Board is excited to pursue new opportunities for Vistage under Leon Shapiro's leadership. His professional experience, proven leadership skills and understanding of Vistage's business model make Leon uniquely qualified to lead Vistage into an exciting future."

ABOUT VISTAGE INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Founded in 1957, Vistage International, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is the world's leading peer-advisory membership organization, serving more than 16,000 CEOs and senior level executives in 15 countries. Vistage members participate in professionally-facilitated peer-advisory board meetings, receive one-to-one coaching, learn from expert speakers, and interact among a global network of business leaders from a broad range of industries. For more information, visit www.vistage.com.

SOURCE Vistage International