Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, has been named among the Top 50 Companies for Executive Women by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). The list recognizes organizations whose policies and practices encourage women’s advancement and whose numbers at the highest levels of leadership demonstrate that commitment.

“We are proud of this recognition because it speaks to our culture, which appreciates diverse backgrounds and experiences at all levels of our company, and values the ideas and contributions of each associate,” says Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO, Wyndham Worldwide.

This year marks an important milestone for the 2011 NAFE Top Companies, where women executives run 23 percent of operations that generate more than $1 billion in revenue. “Women have long struggled to reach the highest ranks in a male-dominated business environment, but with the growing profitability of companies with women in the top ranks, that is changing,” declares Dr. Betty Spence, NAFE president. “Today, employers reward the skills that women bring and demand them of men, as well.”

“Providing a supportive environment for women to advance and reach their full professional potential is important for Wyndham Worldwide as a company, an industry leader, and an employer,” says Mary Falvey, chief human resources officer and executive vice president at Wyndham Worldwide. “Our culture provides opportunity, recognizes achievement, and supports advancement, while appreciating the importance of a healthy balance between career and home.”

Methodology: The 2011 NAFE Top Companies application includes 225 questions on such topics as female representation, hiring, attrition and promotion rates; access and usage of key retention and advancement programs such as mentoring, executive coaching, networking and sponsorship; company culture; and manager training and accountability. The application draws particular attention to the number of women at the highest ranks and those with profit-and-loss responsibility. To be considered for the NAFE Top Companies for Executive Women, companies must have a minimum of two women on their board of directors as well as at least 500 employees in the U.S.