Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced Roeland Vos, long-time president of Starwood Europe, Africa, & Middle East, will step down and be succeeded by Michael Wale, a 35-year Starwood veteran who most recently served as senior vice chairman and director of operations for Western Europe.
Vos will transition right into a consulting role with the corporate, effective June 1st, 2013.
Frits van Paasschen, president and chief executive, Starwood, stated: “We are grateful to Roeland for his many outstanding contributions to Starwood during his greater than 30 years with the corporate.
“One of one of the most respected operators within the industry, Roeland has overseen Starwood’s growth across a various region, and through his 12-year tenure leading EAME we’ve nearly doubled our hotel footprint within the region and accelerated our business in key fast-growing markets.
“We are delighted that Roeland will continue to work with Starwood in a consulting role to support development and the expansion of our brands around the EAME region.”
van Paasschen continued: “At an analogous time, Starwood is fortunate to have a deep bench of world talent, and we continue our legacy of marketing from within, appointing certainly one of our proven leaders to a position of expanded responsibility.
“Michael was instrumental in strengthening the profile of Starwood’s brands across Europe, including launching new brands in select markets, and restoring marquee and comfort properties in others.
“With his combination of strategic vision, management experience, relationships with associates and customers, and an international sensibility, Michael is perfectly positioned to supervise Starwood’s continued growth as our new President of Europe, Africa and the center East.”
Vos joined Starwood in 1982 and has held progressive management positions throughout his career, including president, Europe and senior vice chairman, area director of Italy & Malta.