STARWOOD PUTS WESTIN AND SHERATON ACCOUNTS IN REVIEW
By Adnews Staff
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, based in White Plains, NY, has placed its $20-30 million Westin and Sheraton advertising accounts up for review. Currently, creative and media for both brands are managed by DDB of New York with adaptation for the Canadian market handled by Palmer Jarvis DDB of Toronto. Starwood chief executive officer Scott Williams cited changing business objectives and the current economic climate as reasons for "re-evaluating" its agency partners. DDB had been invited but declined to participate in the review. Requests for proposals were sent to about a dozen agencies this week. The hotel company new agency will develop worldwide creative and handle media for the Westin and Sheraton brands. A final decision is expected by the first quarter of 2002. Starwood operates 725 properties in 80 countries. In addition to DDB, its agency roster includes Avrett Free & Ginsberg of New York, which handles advertising for Starwood's St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, J. Walter Thompson of Atlanta, which handles advertising for Starwood's Four Points by Sheraton banner, and Grey Advertising subsidiary GWhiz! Entertainment of New York, which handles advertising for Starwood's W Hotels.