Starwood Hotels & Resorts Announces Leadership Changes

Strategic Insights -

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the promotion of Raymond L. "Rip" Gellein, Jr. to President, Global Development, following the departure of Ted Darnall, who stepped down to pursue new entrepreneurial ventures. Gellein will oversee all real estate-related functions, including hotel, resort, and residential development, vacation and fractional ownership, and property acquisitions and dispositions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Raymond L. "Rip" Gellein, Jr. has been promoted to President, Global Development, effective immediately, taking over from Ted Darnall.
  • Gellein will be responsible for managing all real estate-related functions, including hotel, resort, and residential development, vacation and fractional ownership, and property acquisitions and dispositions.
  • Ted Darnall has stepped down to pursue a new fund focused on building aloft and Extended Stay by Westin hotels.
  • Steven J. Heyer, Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, praised Gellein's leadership skills and industry expertise, highlighting his success in growing the Starwood Vacation Ownership business.
  • The transition is expected to be smooth, with Darnall remaining with the company through the end of the year.
  • Gellein has extensive experience in real estate development, having previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc.
  • Gellein has also served as Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Vistana, Inc., a company acquired by Starwood in 1999.

Statistics:

  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has approximately 850 properties in over 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
  • The company's pipeline is the strongest it has ever been, with many new opportunities for development and growth.
  • The company owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high-quality vacation interval ownership resorts.
  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world.

Sources:

  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
  • Raymond L. "Rip" Gellein, Jr.
  • Ted Darnall
  • Steven J. Heyer
  • Vistana, Inc.
  • Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc.
  • Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago
  • Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management
  • Denison University
  • American Resort Development Association (ARDA)
  • Florida Chapter of Junior Achievement