STAMFORD, CT—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide says Roeland Vos, long-time president of Starwood's Europe, Africa, & Middle East region, will step down and be succeeded by 35-year veteran Michael Wale. Most recently Wale served as senior VP and director of operations for Western Europe. Vos will transition into a consulting role with the company, effective June 1.

Frits van Paasschen, president and CEO of Starwood, stated, “We are grateful to Roeland for his many outstanding contributions to Starwood during his more than 30 years with the company. One of the most respected operators in the industry, 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. 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."

van Paasschen continued, “At the same time, Starwood is fortunate to have a deep bench of global talent, and we continue our legacy of promoting from within, appointing one of our proven leaders to a position of expanded responsibility. 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. 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.”

Vos joined Starwood in 1982 and has held progressive management positions throughout his career, including president, Europe and SVP, area director of Italy & Malta. In 2001, he was appointed President, EAME, and under his leadership Starwood grew from 127 properties in the region to 243 hotels and resorts in 60 countries with an additional 64 hotels in the pipeline today.

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 progressive management positions, including SVP global operations for Le Méridien, VP area director for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and general manager of several flagship Starwood properties such as the Sheraton Park Tower Knightsbridge and the Sheraton Grand Hotel Edinburgh. Following the acquisition of Le Méridien in 2005, Wale led the successful integration of 130 Le Méridien hotels worldwide into Starwood's portfolio.

Starwood has 1,134 hotel properties in nearly 100 countries and 171,000 employees at its owned and managed assets.