Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announced today its intention to place both its Westin and Sheraton advertising accounts up for review. Creative and media for both brands are currently managed by DDB of New York.
“We`ve had many successes with DDB, but due to our changing business objectives and the current economic climate, we`ve found it necessary at this time to re-evaluate our partners,” remarked Scott Williams, chief creative officer for Starwood. “DDB was invited to participate in the upcoming review, but unfortunately because of the scope of work has declined.”

The search for a new agency to develop worldwide creative and handle media for both brands is under way, with request for proposals being distributed this week to 10-12 agencies. A decision for the $20-30 million account is expected by first quarter of 2002. Divisions outside of North America will adopt the selected creative, and handle media locally.

Currently, Starwood brands are represented by various agencies including Grey Advertising subsidiary GWhiz! Entertainment of New York (W Hotels), Avrett Free & Ginsberg of New York (St. Regis Hotels & Resorts), and J. Walter Thompson of Atlanta (Four Points by Sheraton).

Starwood is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit us at www.starwood.com.

——-