STAMFORD, CT—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has named Thomas B. Mangas, currently EVP and CFO, as CEO, effective Dec. 31. The appointment follows the resignation of Adam Aron, who is leaving Starwood at the end of the month to become CEO and president of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. Starwood continues to expect its previously announced acquisition by Marriott International Inc. to close by mid-year 2016.
The company also said that Alan M. Schnaid, currently SVP, corporate controller and principal accounting officer of Starwood, will be appointed CFO, and Robyn Arnell, currently VP, finance and accounting services, will assume the role of corporate controller.
Bruce W. Duncan, chairman of the board, said, “On behalf of Starwood’s board of directors, I would like to thank Adam for stepping in to lead our company during a pivotal time in Starwood’s history. He accomplished much during his tenure as CEO, and contributed in countless ways as a member of our board for nearly a decade. He leaves the company in excellent hands with Tom, a valued leader on our team who was instrumental in our review of our strategic alternatives and will continue to oversee the completion of our combination with Marriott.”
Aron said, “It has been a privilege to lead an extraordinary team of people around the world who, through their creativity and innovation, have changed the hospitality industry and the hotel experience in meaningful ways. I am proud of what we have accomplished together with reinvigorated existing brands, the launch of new brands, accelerated growth and our game-changing merger with Marriott to soon become the biggest and best hotel company in the world.”
Mangas has been EVP and CFO since September 2014, responsible for the global accounting, tax, treasury, strategic planning, corporate development, risk management, investor relations and supply chain functions. Prior to joining Starwood, he served as EVP and CEO of Armstrong Floor Products, a division of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. From 2010 to 2013, he was SVP and CFO of Armstrong World Industries, Inc., where he was responsible for finance, investor relations, information technology and global business services. Previously, Mangas spent 20 years at The Procter & Gamble Company in finance and accounting positions.
Mangas added, “I am thrilled to take on this new role as we continue to provide our guests with Starwood’s unique brand of hospitality, grow our footprint around the globe, drive value for our hotel owners and shareholders, and ultimately bring together two great companies and the talent within. I look forward to continued partnership with Alan and Robyn, two longtime leaders who are examples of the strength of Starwood’s team.”
Schnaid joined Starwood in 1994 and has been Starwood’s SVP, corporate controller and principal accounting officer since 2005. Prior to that, he was SVP and corporate controller since 1998 and VP and controller since 1996. Prior to joining Starwood, Schnaid held accounting positions with Mazars and Company, Kenneth Leventhal and Company and Laventhol & Horwath.
Arnell joined Starwood in 1998 and has been VP, finance and accounting services of Starwood since 2012, with responsibility for overseeing Starwood’s corporate and hotel shared-service finance operations. She is a certified public accountant and has also served as VP and chief audit executive and VP, assistant corporate controller during her tenure with Starwood. Prior to joining Starwood, Arnell held various positions with Promus Hotels, formerly Doubletree Hotels Corporation, and Arthur Andersen LLP.
Given the time requirements of his new role, Aron has also resigned from Starwood’s board of directors, effective Dec. 30.