Bob Jacobs, Rose-Hulman ‘87, named VP Brand Management at Starwood North America

GAMMA GAMMA (Rose-Hulman) — Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. recently announced that it has named Bob Jacobs (Rose-Hulman ‘87) Vice President of Brand Management, North America for its Sheraton and Westin Hotels. In this role, Jacobs will oversee marketing, advertising, brand management and strategic positioning for Starwood’s two largest, upper-upscale brands in the United States and Canada.

Jacobs joins Starwood with more than 20 years of brand management and marketing communications experience at Procter & Gamble (P&G).  He has held assignments with P&G in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Connecticut and Ohio.  Most recently, Jacobs was the North America Marketing Director for the Duracell Brand, where he led all aspects of marketing for the business and drove a turn-around in share performance behind the launch of the “Duracell Smart Power” and “Power those who Protect Us” campaigns. Prior to joining P&G’s marketing organization, Jacobs spent seven years in their purchasing and manufacturing organization.

Throughout his career, Jacobs has driven innovative marketing programs and has been a pioneer in the use of digital, public relations and shopper marketing on some of P&G’s biggest brands, including Pampers, Crest, Duracell, Pantene and Tide.

“Bob’s experience leading global brands combined with his marketing communications background make him the perfect choice to lead the marketing efforts for Starwood’s two largest brands here in North America” said David Marr, Senior Vice President of Brand Management, North America. “We’re thrilled to welcome him as part of our team.”

Jacobs grew up in Holly, Michigan and is an avid runner, triathlete, and skier. He also enjoys traveling with his family and currently lives with his wife and four children in Connecticut.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,051 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and ElementSM.  The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.