Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today the appointment of Steven M. Hankin as senior vice president of strategic planning effective October 1. Mr. Hankin was a partner in McKinsey & Company, the international management consulting firm.

In his new position, Mr. Hankin, 39, will report directly to Barry S. Sternlicht, chairman and chief executive of Starwood. He will be responsible for supporting senior management and operating executives in the development of business strategies and initiatives to ensure the long-term profitable growth of the company.

“During his 13 years at McKinsey, Steve has developed a great blend of strategic planning and operational skills,” Mr. Sternlicht said. “He has considerable expertise in problem solving, brand building, organizational development and operational effectiveness that will be of great benefit to Starwood, as we continue to evolve into a world class leader in the lodging and leisure industry,” Mr. Sternlicht concluded.

Mr. Hankin joined McKinsey & Company in 1986 in the firm`s New York office. In 1989 he moved to Washington, DC focusing on the areas of transportation, health care and change management. For the last several years, Mr. Hankin has been responsible for opening, developing and managing the company`s Charlotte, North Carolina office which now includes 20 consultants as well as research and administrative staff.

Mr. Hankin holds a BS degree from the Wharton School of the University Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Darden School of the University of Virginia. Mr. Hankin will be located at Starwood`s worldwide headquarters in White Plains, NY.

Starwood, through its St. Regis/Luxury Collection, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points and W brands, is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 700 hotels in 76 countries and 130,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.

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