Hotel & Motel Management - October 1, 2007 - (Page 42)

42 News H&MM October 1, 2007 | HotelMotel.com www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition Starwood leader Continued from page 1 Quazzo said in a conference call. “He’s a strong leader with an approachable style … and over 20 years of experience with consumerfocused global brands … he brings a positive energy to Starwood.” The new c.e.o. also spent seven years with Nike; during four of those years he was responsible for business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Quazzo said Starwood is looking forward to tapping van Paasschen’s international business expertise to continue capitalizing on the company’s momentum, particularly with global development. Starwood’s pipeline of about 440 hotels with about 105,000 guestrooms consists of 70 percent in the upper upscale and lux- ury segments, and about half outside North America, according to Bruce Duncan, who served as interim c.e.o. and will continue as non-executive chairman of the board. Duncan said 80 openings are planned for the rest of the year, and more than 100 openings are planned for 2008. Quazzo also said the search committee was keen on ﬁnding someone of great character with a team-oriented management style. “We wanted someone to be people friendly and really a great guy,” he said. Van Paasschen confessed it was a difﬁcult decision to leave Coors, and thanked the company’s c.e.o. “The opportunity to lead Starwood was too great to pass up,” he said. “I’m impressed with the company’s ability to predict and meet changing consumer preferences.” On the conference call, Will Marks at JMP Securities asked van Paasschen how marketing a hotel room would compare with marketing a can of beer. Van Paasschen said: “All consumer business where brands are important is about developing a relationship with the consumer, and addressing needs and wants is critical and delivering on the promise. … The hotel room is about service and experience.” He said it is “before early” to discuss his speciﬁc plans for Starwood’s future, but he has conﬁdence in the company’s overall strategy. Van Paasschen said his 100day plan will focus on validating the company strategy and getting a better understanding of the organization and the team with whom he will be working. In response to a question, van Paasschen had no comment on any deﬁciencies in the hotel industry or Starwood, but said his experience has shown him the consumer passion that can be cultivated in a brand. “I’d love to continue to develop that same level of passion among our guests,” he said. Van Paasschen said he is looking forward to working with the executive team, and meeting ﬁrsthand with owners, investors and media after completing a “deep dive” into the business. shiggins@questex.com Under Construction Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is developing two boutique hotels in New York City to open in 2008 and 2009. One yet-unnamed hotel will feature 287 guestrooms and suites; 11,000 square feet of meeting space; and a spa. An adjacent exterior building will include 270 luxury apartments. A second property, the 222-guestroom, 16-story Vu Hotel features interior designs by the Rockwell Group and 360-degree unobstructed views of the Hudson River and the Midtown Manhattan skyline. Compiled by Stacey Higgins, shiggins@questex.com CIRCLE NO. 147 http://HotelMotel.com http://www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hotel & Motel Management - October 1, 2007

Hotel & Motel Management - October 1, 2007 Contents Independents Rely on Guest Feedback Models Showcase Aloft, Element Brands Trainers Emphasize Communication, Cooperation Perspective At Your Risk Satisfaction Trends Sales Clinic Energy Star Update HotelWorld Update Trends & Stats Dressing Walls in 'Green' Music Programming Provides a Sound Solution Remote Check-In/Out for Leisure Travelers Q&A: Western U.S. Pipeline Softgoods - Beds and Bedding Transactions A Cause Célèbre Awards People on the Move Events Cleaning and Maintenance Solutions Marketplace Ad/Editorial Index Classifieds Checking Out

Hotel & Motel Management - October 1, 2007

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