VISTA, Calif. – Dennis Paradise, CEO of big-brand intimate product distributor Paradise Marketing, took home the prestigious Executive Leadership Award at last night’s 9th Annual XBIZ Awards, held at Hollywood’s historic Palladium theater.

The Executive Leadership Award is a distinctly different XBIZ Award reserved for a member of the adult industry who has shown exceptional business practices throughout his or her career, and maintained a positive and prominent reputation at the helm of a respected company.

Paradise, who’s well into his third decade in the intimate care product business, was specially selected to receive this year’s honors, which was humbly handed to him on stage by last year’s recipient Castle Megastore CEO Mark Franks.

“Paradise Marketing has built a business reputation based on carrying the most trusted brands, such as Astroglide, Trojan, Lifestyles, KY Brand, Durex and others,” Paradise said. “But more importantly, the company has a record of making its customers more competitive and profitable by helping them manage brands, inventory levels and merchandising with the newest technologies and strategies. It’s an honor to be recognized for the decades of the hard work and diligence, and I thank XBIZ and the industry for this award.”

“It’s an honor to be recognized by an industry media organization such as XBIZ,” Paradise said. “It was a pleasant surprise to hear my name called tonight, and speaking on stage under the bright lights was an experience I’ll always remember. This award will have a very special place on my office mantel.”

Paradise founded Paradise Marketing in 1978 after honing his expertise working from a young age in his family’s longtime condom business. Paradise Marketing has since achieved top status as distributor of the condom, lubricant and intimate product industries’ best-selling mainstream brands. His reputation for respected business practices is acknowledged throughout the adult retail realm.

“Dennis Paradise exemplifies brilliance and supreme leadership in business,” XBIZ President and Publisher Alec Helmy said.

“Through vision and drive, Dennis has led one of the most successful enterprises of our industry. It is with great pleasure that we recognize his stellar career at the 2011 XBIZ Awards – the honor is really ours.”

“In 1978 Dennis Paradise began a lifetime journey in the adult industry,” Franks said.

“Dennis applied his business and marketing skills by introducing, developing and positioning numerous mega brands like Astroglide, KY, Durex, Lifestyles and Trojan just to name a few. While also serving the convenience store, drug, food and mass markets, Dennis translated that experience and knowledge to the adult industry by helping business owners – which are too many to name – to improve their skills and overall business. Dennis is a business leader who commands considerable respect and influence throughout the adult industry. It was my privilege to present the Executive Leadership Award to my long-time friend.”

The 9th Annual XBIZ Awards were held Wednesday night at the Hollywood Palladium and co-hosted by Digital Playground contract star Jesse Jane and comedienne Whitney Cummings. The show kicked off the XBIZ Retail Expo currently taking place at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles.