Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that Jay Koval, Vice President of Investor Relations, will be stepping down from his position to pursue a new opportunity. Stephen Pettibone has been appointed Vice President of Investor Relations, effective immediately.

Vasant M. Prabhu, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer said, “We are excited for Jay as he moves on in his career. For six years, Jay has been an integral part of our team, steering our Investor Relations function during the financial crisis and subsequent growth of our business. Last year, Starwood’s Investor Relations was named the Best in Gaming and Lodging by Institutional Investor Magazine. We wish Jay continued success.”

Prabhu continued, “Stephen Pettibone has been a valued member of Starwood’s finance team for nearly five years, most recently in the M&A function. During his years at Starwood, Stephen has worked in a range of roles that have allowed him to develop a broad understanding of our global business that he can bring to bear on our Investor Relations program. Prior to Starwood, Stephen held roles in corporate strategy at Sabre Holdings and investment banking at CIBC World Markets, where he focused on lodging and travel services companies.”