Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced that Roeland Vos, long-time president of the company’s Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME) region, will step down and be succeeded by Michael Wale, a 35-year Starwood veteran who most recently served as senior vice president and director of operations for Western Europe. Vos will transition into a consulting role with the company effective June 1.
“Roeland has overseen Starwood’s growth across a diverse region, and during his 12-year tenure leading EAME we’ve nearly doubled our hotel footprint in the region and accelerated our business in key fast-growing markets,” said Frits van Paasschen, president and chief executive officer of Starwood. “We are delighted that Roeland will continue to work with Starwood in a consulting role to support development and the growth of our brands across the EAME region.
“Michael has been instrumental in strengthening the profile of Starwood’s brands across Europe, including launching new brands in select markets and restoring marquee and luxury properties in others,” van Paasschen continued. “With his combination of strategic vision, management experience, relationships with associates and customers and a global sensibility, Michael is perfectly positioned to oversee Starwood’s continued growth as our new president of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.”
Wale began his career with Starwood as a graduate trainee in 1978 at what was then ITT Sheraton. In his most recent role, he was responsible for managing Starwood’s operations in Western Europe, leading 54 hotels across eight brands in 13 countries. Previously, Wale held management positions including SVP of global operations for Le Meridien, VP area director for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and general manager of properties such as the Sheraton Park Tower Knightsbridge and the Sheraton Grand Hotel Edinburgh.