STAMFORD, Conn.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced two strategic appointments to support the company’s rapidly expanding footprint in Latin America, where the company currently operates 96 hotels in 19 countries, with another 18 properties in the development pipeline. Jean-Marc Janod has been named vice president of operations for Mexico, Central America & Caribbean and Ricardo Calo has been appointed vice president of operations for South America, a new position created to support this important region for the company. Both will be members of Starwood’s Latin America Senior Leadership Team and report to Jorge Giannattasio, chief of operations for the region.
A seasoned hotelier, Janod has been with Starwood for more than two decades and has served in key operational and executive roles at flagship hotels throughout the region. Most recently, he was the general manager of Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel, one of the company’s most iconic properties in the region, which began a multi-million dollar makeover under his leadership. Janod succeeds Batya Brykman, who is set to retire at the end of May and will stay on as a consultant through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
Calo has held several leadership positions for Starwood in the region over his decade-long career with the company, most recently as managing director of operations for Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
“We are aggressively expanding our portfolio in dynamic markets throughout Latin America and expect to reach 150 hotels in the region by 2020,” said Giannattasio. “To support this growth, it is essential that we continue to provide exceptional operational leadership and support to our owners, hotels, partners and associates. Jean-Marc and Ricardo will lead this charge along with a seasoned leadership team across the region, allowing us to deliver on the promise of providing guests with world-class hotels in Latin America.”
Giannattasio added, “I would also like to thank Batya for her leadership over the last three decades and the critical role she played in making Mexico and Central America one of the fastest-growing regions for our organization. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
