Starwood Hotels Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Starwood Hotels has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, human resources, and operations.

Driven by timeless elegance and modern conveniences, Starwood Hotels is dedicated to providing a legendary stay, seamlessly weaving authentic New England fare with innovative twists and offering sophisticated venues for business and networking.

Leadership Roles at Starwood Hotels

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Smith
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Kurt Durak
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nadeem Khawaja
  • President - Robert Cotter
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Roger Berry
  • Chief People Officer - Clio Knowles
  • Drh - Khadija Bourkadi
  • John Smith - Chief Executive Officer

    John Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Starwood Hotels, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Smith ensures the seamless integration of timeless elegance with modern conveniences across all hotel properties, mirroring the company's commitment to a legendary guest experience. This leadership involves optimizing property performance and driving market expansion within the hospitality sector. By focusing on intuitive amenities and authentic culinary offerings, John Smith elevates the guest retreat experience. The Chief Executive Officer's vision guides the transformation of rooms into havens for relaxation and ensures alignment with the company's colonial heritage-inspired design. Smith's strategic direction underpins the hotel's paramount location and thoughtful amenities, solidifying its reputation.

    Kurt Durak - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Kurt Durak, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Starwood Hotels, established the company's foundational principles of weaving timeless elegance with modern conveniences. Durak's ongoing leadership guides the strategic vision for all hotel operations, emphasizing a commitment to providing a legendary stay. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that each property pays homage to heritage while boasting modern design and revolutionary-era flair. Durak's influence is evident in the intuitive amenities, such as high-speed Wi-Fi and plush bedding, that transform rooms into retreats for relaxation. Overseeing the brand's core identity, Kurt Durak champions the unique guest experience that defines Starwood Hotels. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's dedication to authentic New England fare and innovative culinary twists remains a cornerstone of the company's appeal.

    Nadeem Khawaja - Chief Financial Officer

    Nadeem Khawaja, the Chief Financial Officer at Starwood Hotels, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Khawaja ensures robust financial health, enabling the company to invest in modern conveniences and maintain timeless elegance across its properties. The Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, directly supporting the delivery of a legendary guest experience. By optimizing financial performance, Nadeem Khawaja facilitates the enhancement of intuitive amenities and the development of authentic New England cuisine at on-site restaurants. This role is critical for managing the financial aspects of business functions, including elegant meeting venues and custom catering services for corporate conferences. Khawaja's fiscal discipline underpins the company's ability to offer a quaint retreat for relaxation and maintain its paramount location.

    Robert Cotter - President

    Robert Cotter, the President at Starwood Hotels, oversees the strategic direction and operational execution of the hotel portfolio. Cotter ensures the seamless integration of timeless elegance with modern conveniences, driving the delivery of a legendary guest experience. The President's leadership focuses on optimizing property performance and enhancing guest satisfaction through intuitive amenities and authentic New England fare. Robert Cotter plays a key role in maintaining the hotel's paramount location and its transformation into a quaint retreat for relaxation. This executive guides the operational excellence of on-site restaurants and sophisticated meeting venues, supporting corporate conferences and networking events. Cotter's presidency reinforces the company's commitment to a superior stay and its unique blend of heritage and modernity.

    Roger Berry - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Roger Berry, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Starwood Hotels, directs the company's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Berry ensures that high-speed Wi-Fi and flat-panel TVs are seamlessly integrated, transforming rooms into comfortable retreats. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer oversees the implementation of innovative technology solutions that enhance the guest experience, aligning with the company's blend of modern conveniences and timeless elegance. Roger Berry's leadership ensures the reliability and security of all IT systems, supporting everything from reservation platforms to on-site restaurant operations. This role is crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of meeting venues and AV equipment, supporting corporate conferences and networking events. Berry's technological oversight reinforces the company's commitment to a legendary stay.

    Clio Knowles - Chief People Officer

    Clio Knowles, the Chief People Officer at Starwood Hotels, leads human resources strategy and talent management. Knowles cultivates a culture that embodies timeless elegance and modern conveniences, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver a legendary guest experience. The Chief People Officer oversees recruitment, training, and employee development, fostering an environment where intuitive amenities and authentic culinary experiences are paramount. Clio Knowles champions initiatives that transform rooms into quaint retreats for relaxation and support the seamless operation of on-site restaurants. This role is vital for building a team that upholds the company's colonial heritage-inspired design and provides exceptional service. Knowles's focus on people ensures that every guest interaction reflects the company's commitment to a superior stay.

    Khadija Bourkadi - Drh

    Khadija Bourkadi, the Drh at Starwood Hotels, manages human resources functions and employee relations. Bourkadi ensures that the team embodies the company's commitment to timeless elegance and modern conveniences, contributing to a legendary guest experience. The Drh oversees the implementation of HR policies that support staff in delivering intuitive amenities and authentic culinary offerings. Khadija Bourkadi's role is critical in fostering a positive work environment that transforms rooms into quaint retreats for relaxation and supports the efficient operation of on-site restaurants. This leadership ensures that staff are well-trained to uphold the company's colonial heritage-inspired design and provide exceptional service. Bourkadi's dedication to people management reinforces the company's standard for a superior stay.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Starwood Hotels Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Starwood Hotels?
    Starwood Hotels is led by John Smith (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kurt Durak (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Nadeem Khawaja (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Starwood Hotels’s executive team?
    The executive team of Starwood Hotels includes leaders such as John Smith (Chief Executive Officer), Kurt Durak (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Nadeem Khawaja (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Starwood Hotels have?
    Starwood Hotels has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Starwood Hotels’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Starwood Hotels includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer.