STAMFORD, Conn.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced a series of leadership changes across its global brand organization.
“Our brands are the heart and soul of Starwood,” said Adam Aron, Starwood’s chief executive officer. “Starwood’s reputation for brand innovation is legendary and a key reason we have been able to drive growth. We are investing in our global brand organization to further invigorate innovation, marketing and guest experience across all of our more than 1,200 Starwood hotels around the world.”
To lead this effort, Starwood has appointed John Peyton to the new role of senior vice president, brands and shared services. Peyton, who most recently led the company’s global initiatives team, will combine his expertise in global operations and brand building to drive innovation. During his 15-year tenure at Starwood, Peyton has held a number of senior operations and marketing positions, and in 2005, he led a significant brand positioning effort for Starwood, called Building World Class Brands — a defining moment in the company’s evolution as a brand powerhouse. In his new role, Peyton will also oversee food and beverage, revenue management, and Starwood’s integration strategy for Design Hotels. He will report directly to Aron.
“Starwood is a dynamic organization, and we didn’t have to look far to find great leaders within our ranks to take on new brand leadership roles,” said Peyton. “I look forward to working with our new Global Brand Leaders as we sharpen the focus on Starwood’s unique and desired brands.”
Longtime Starwood leader Dave Marr has been appointed global brand leader, Sheraton and Tribute Portfolio. Most recently, Marr led Starwood’s six full serve brands in North America, including oversight of digital, loyalty, and partner marketing, field marketing, as well as architecture and construction in the division. He also led the successful launch of Tribute Portfolio, which debuted last month and is slated to reach more than 100 hotels in the next five years. In his new role, Marr will kick off and lead significant revitalization efforts for Sheraton, Starwood’s biggest and most global brand.
Starwood veteran Jim Petrus returns to the company to take on the role of global brand leader, St. Regis. Petrus was previously with Starwood for more than a decade, serving as senior vice president, operations, with a responsibility for driving top-line results across brands. For the past nine years, he has served as chief operating officer for Trump Hotels Collection, where he was responsible for strategic global positioning, hotel development, operations, sales, marketing, and training. This year, St. Regis will surpass 40 hotels with debuts in premier destinations such as Mumbai, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur.
24-year Starwood veteran Hoyt Harper has assumed the role of global brand leader, The Luxury Collection. Harper, who most recently led Sheraton, returns to his luxury roots, which date back to the 1990s when he integrated The Luxury Collection into then-Sheraton Club International. Harper will further refine brand strategy, including investment in landmark renovations and the debut of marquee conversion hotels as The Luxury Collection reaches 100 hotels later this year.
Anthony Ingham has been named global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. With 15 years of hospitality experience and leadership roles in both Starwood’s EAME and North America divisions, Ingham has experience in brand strategy and marketing communications as well as portfolio management and owner relations. He has a creative marketing background and global mindset – having lived and worked in Spain, Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong, the U.S. and the U.K. Ingham will help guide the expansion into new markets such as Amsterdam, Shanghai, Dubai, Tel Aviv, and Goa in the coming year.
Brian Povinelli will continue in his position as global brand leader, Westin and Le Méridien. A marketer and brand experience engineer, he crafted Westin’s distinct wellness positioning and pivoted Le Méridien around its “destination unlocked” positioning. Westin recently crossed its 200th hotel milestone and is slated for openings in markets such as Denver, Doha, and Jakarta, while Le Méridien will open more new hotels this year than any other year since Starwood acquired the brand.
Brian McGuinness, global brand leader, specialty select brands will continue to oversee Starwood’s specialty select portfolio, comprising the Aloft, Element, and Four Points brands. McGuinness’s role, which includes brand management, operations, and development, is important as the company makes a bigger stake in this segment around the world.
All Global Brand Leaders will report directly to John Peyton, senior vice president, brands and shared services.
