Importantly, this initiative is expected to deliver significant long-term financial benefits � more than $200 million of incremental EBITDA over the next five years.
 

Barry S. Sternlicht, chairman and chief executive officer, Starwood Hotels and Resorts stated, �The launch of Six Sigma is one of the most important strategic initiatives since the formation of our company.  This is a multiyear effort encompassing thousands of our associates.  Its successful implementation will sustain and build new momentum, strengthen our global brands, enhance our ability to share best practices globally, speed the adoption of new technologies, prepare us for the challenges of constant change, provide critical focus on the customer and, over time, help deliver a dramatic improvement in the bottom line.  As the world�s largest owner of hotel and resort properties, Starwood and the owners of the properties we manage, are uniquely positioned to benefit from this effort�.

�We have spent $1 billion in our ongoing effort to bring consistency to our branded hotels around the world,� says Bob Cotter, chief operating officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.  �It is time and we are ready to complement this effort with a global focus on the delivery of consistent and exemplary service to our guests.  From the reservation and check-in process, to room standards and cleanliness, it is our goal for every Westin, Sheraton, W, Four Points by Sheraton, Starwood Vacation Ownership and St. Regis/Luxury Collection guest to have a flawless experience during each and every visit.  Six Sigma will help us reach that goal.�

Former GE executive James Hyman has been named executive vice president, Six Sigma, for Starwood and will have global responsibility for executing the strategy, designing the tools and overseeing the implementation of Starwood�s Six Sigma initiative. Before joining Starwood, Hyman served as President of Europe for GE Capital Modular Space.  Hyman will report directly to Bob Cotter.

Starwood has also enlisted the expertise of renowned Six Sigma specialists Peter S. Pande, co-author of �The Six Sigma Way� and president of Pivotal Consulting, and the George Group to assist with the launch.

During the first five quarters of implementation, Starwood will primarily redeploy current Starwood associates to fill approximately 450 Six Sigma specialist roles.  Starwood will fill these roles with many of the company�s highest performing associates, in addition to some external candidates from all fields.  These Six Sigma specialists will have strong analytical and organizational skills, and most will hold the title of �black belt� or �master black belt.�  Each �black belt� is expected to drive EBITDA gains of $200,000 or more per year.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) 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.