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| John Peyton |
STAMFORD, CT—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has made a series of leadership changes across its global brand organization. The moves build upon Starwood’s legacy of brand innovation and demonstrate its commitment to creating unique and compelling experiences for guests across its 10 distinct brands, according to the company.
“Our brands are the heart and soul of Starwood,” said Adam Aron, Starwood’s CEO. “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, John Peyton has been appointed to the new role of SVP, brands and shared services. Peyton most recently led the company’s global initiatives team. During his 15-year tenure at Starwood, he has held a number of senior operations and marketing positions. 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-service 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 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 SVP, operations. For the past nine years, he has served as COO for Trump Hotels Collection, where he was responsible for strategic global positioning, hotel development, operations, sales, marketing and training.
Hoyt Harper, a 24-year Starwood veteran, 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, making it the first luxury brand to participate in a hotel loyalty program. In his new role, 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 deep experience in brand strategy and marketing communications, as well as portfolio management and owner relations.
Brian Povinelli will continue in his position of global brand leader for Westin and Le Méridien, while Brian McGuinness remains in that role for specialty select brands.
All global brand leaders will report directly to Peyton.
