News Briefs

POWERBAR: and the World Triathlon Corporation have formed a three-year global sponsorship agreement that designates PowerBar as the Official Global Energy Bar and Energy Gel Sponsor from 2006 through 2008 for all U.S. and international Ironman qualifying events, the Ironman 70.3 series and the Ford Ironman World Championship. Through the agreement, PowerBar will support the sponsorship via advertising, promotions and sports marketing.

CENDANT HOTEL GROUP: has appointed Peter Strebel as president of Wyndham Worldwide and Jean Thomas as the group's executive VP and CMO. The appointments are effective immediately. Strebel and Thomas report to Steven A. Rudnitsky, Cendant Hotel Group chairman and CEO. Strebel, a 23-year veteran, oversees the performance and strategic direction of the Wyndham brand. In her new role, Thomas is in charge of the strategy and execution of the group's umbrella and brand-specific marketing programs and oversees its loyalty and direct marketing, brand marketing and strategy, diversity and community involvement, international marketing, market research, revenue management and reservations sales, worldwide sales and communications departments.