Starwood Hotels Executive and Leadership Team

Ahmed Amen, the Chief Executive Officer at Starwood Hotels, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Amen oversees the integration of modern design with colonial heritage across all property portfolios. By focusing on the operational excellence of the Sheraton Commander Hotel, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that guest experiences remain consistent with high-end hospitality standards. This leadership role involves managing the expansion of meeting venues and catering services to attract corporate conferences and academic partnerships. Ahmed Amen drives revenue growth by optimizing the performance of on-site dining establishments like Nubar. Through rigorous oversight of service quality and facility maintenance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the brand within the Cambridge market. Amen secures long-term profitability by aligning property assets with evolving traveler expectations for both comfort and technological connectivity.

Kurt Durak, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Starwood Hotels, architects the foundational philosophy of the company. Durak focuses on the long-term brand identity, ensuring that every location reflects the unique blend of revolutionary-era history and contemporary luxury. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Durak monitors the macro-level performance of the entire portfolio to ensure alignment with the core mission of providing a legendary stay. This position involves cultivating relationships with prestigious academic institutions and local business partners to maximize property utility. Kurt Durak drives innovation in guest services, specifically regarding the implementation of high-speed digital infrastructure and premium room amenities. By evaluating market trends across the North American hospitality landscape, Durak ensures the company remains a preferred destination for both leisure travelers and business professionals seeking proximity to major research hubs.

Robert Cotter, the President at Starwood Hotels, executes the day-to-day operational strategy across the entire property portfolio. Cotter oversees the financial performance and service quality of the Sheraton Commander Hotel, ensuring that every aspect of the guest stay meets the company's high standards. As the President, Cotter coordinates with the executive team to implement growth initiatives and market expansion plans. This role involves managing the relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring that the company's colonial heritage is preserved while modernizing the guest experience. Robert Cotter drives revenue through the effective management of Nubar and the optimization of meeting venue utilization. By monitoring the competitive landscape, Cotter ensures that the brand maintains its paramount location and service reputation. This leadership position requires a focus on both the immediate operational needs and the long-term strategic objectives of the organization.

Mary-Jo D'Alessandro, the Chief of Staff at Starwood Hotels, manages the internal communication flow and executive project coordination. D'Alessandro facilitates the execution of strategic initiatives by bridging the gap between senior leadership and departmental managers. As the Chief of Staff, D'Alessandro oversees the administrative efficiency of the corporate office, ensuring that resources support the operational needs of the Sheraton Commander Hotel. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to streamline the delivery of custom catering and meeting venue services. Mary-Jo D'Alessandro drives organizational alignment by monitoring key performance indicators related to guest satisfaction and operational costs. By managing the executive calendar and prioritizing high-impact projects, D'Alessandro ensures that the leadership team remains focused on the company's primary goal of delivering exceptional hospitality. This position requires constant vigilance over the operational health of the business.

Roger Berry, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Starwood Hotels, architects the digital infrastructure that powers the guest experience. Berry oversees the deployment of high-speed Wi-Fi and advanced audiovisual equipment across all meeting venues. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Berry ensures that the company's technological offerings meet the rigorous demands of corporate conferences and academic events. This role involves securing data systems and optimizing the digital platforms used for room bookings and guest services. Roger Berry drives efficiency by integrating modern software solutions into the daily operations of the Sheraton Commander Hotel. By maintaining robust network reliability, Berry supports the company's commitment to providing seamless connectivity for every guest. This leadership function remains critical to the overall modernization of the brand's physical assets and service delivery models.

Clio Knowles, the Chief People Officer at Starwood Hotels, directs the talent acquisition and employee development strategies. Knowles oversees the cultivation of a service-oriented culture that aligns with the company's commitment to timeless elegance. As the Chief People Officer, Knowles manages the training programs for staff at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, ensuring that every team member delivers a legendary guest experience. This role involves designing performance management systems that reward excellence in hospitality and culinary service. Clio Knowles drives retention by fostering a professional environment that values both individual growth and collective success. By aligning human capital with the company's operational goals, Knowles ensures that the workforce remains capable of meeting the high standards expected by guests. This position requires a deep understanding of the labor market and the specific needs of the hospitality industry.

Khadija Bourkadi, the Drh at Starwood Hotels, manages the regulatory compliance and labor relations aspects of the workforce. Bourkadi oversees the implementation of workplace policies that ensure a safe and productive environment for all employees. As the Drh, Bourkadi focuses on the administrative side of human resources, including payroll, benefits, and legal adherence within the hospitality sector. This role involves resolving personnel issues and maintaining the organizational structure required to support the Sheraton Commander Hotel. Khadija Bourkadi drives operational stability by ensuring that all staffing levels match the seasonal demands of the Cambridge market. By managing the complexities of labor laws and internal regulations, Bourkadi protects the company's reputation as an employer of choice. This position requires meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to managing the diverse needs of the hotel staff.