Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), the world`s largest hotel and gaming company, today announced the appointment of James P. Gallagher as senior vice president of public relations.
Mr. Gallagher joins Starwood following a 19 year career with ITT Corporation where he served as vice president of public relations and as the company`s spokesperson. Starwood acquired ITT in February, 1998 following a 13 month hostile takeover attempt of ITT by Hilton Corporation.

``Jim`s 25 years of public relations experience with Fortune 100 Companies will serve Starwood well,`` said Richard Nanula, president and chief executive officer of Starwood to whom Mr. Gallagher will report. ``His understanding of the importance of communicating in a timely and effective manner with a wide array of publics will be very important to our company going forward.

In his new position, Mr. Gallagher will develop and implement a multifaceted, worldwide public relations program for Starwood and its more than 650 hotel and gaming properties in 70 countries around the globe. ``The new Starwood represents one of the greatest collections of world-renowned brands under one roof,`` said Mr. Gallagher. ``As a leader in the hotel and gaming industries, this company is going to demand high visibility. It`s exciting to be part of this outstanding management team positioning the company for future growth,`` he said.

Mr. Gallagher joined ITT in 1979 as manager of news services. He was promoted to director of public relations in 1981 and vice president in 1986. Prior to joining ITT he served as director of public relations for Ingersoll Rand, Gulf & Western Industries and The Singer Company.

As graduate of St. Francis College of New York with a BA in English, Mr. Gallagher also attended the Graduate School of Corporate and Political Communications of Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. A member of the Overseas Press Club, Mr. Gallagher is active in a number of other civic and professional organizations.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. through its ITT Sheraton, Westin and Caesars subsidiaries, is one of the leading hotel and gaming operating companies in the world. Starwood Hotels & Resorts is the largest real estate investment trust in the United States. Shares of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. are paired and trade together with shares of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. (NYSE:HOT).

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