China, 30 DECEMBER 2014 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific has once again received strong endorsement by industry professionals after being awarded the “Best Practice in Leadership Development”accolade for Starwood Careers at the prestigious 17th China HR Staff Awards 2014 held in Suzhou, China.

Inaugurated in 1998, the China Staff Awards has established itself as one of the most reputable Human Resources (HR) Awards in Greater China, also known as the Oscars within the HR community. The Best Practice in Leadership Developmentaward is bestowed on the organization that has displayed clear and well-executed strategies in talent selection, motivation and development at all associate levels. The award also recognizes outstanding programs such as formal coaching and mentoring programs that help develop and nurture potential successors to ensure business continuity.

Dylan Choong, Director, Human Resources, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific said, “We want to thank the panel of distinguished judges and the team of juries for the esteemed recognition. The award is truly an encouragement and a testament that our talent management and development program, Starwood Careers, is nurturing the future leaders of the hospitality industry. This award also goes out to our dedicated mentors and associates, who have worked hard over the years to implement and execute the initiatives within the program.” 

Starwood Careers was conceptualized specifically in the Asia Pacific to fit the region's unique needs; it seeks to proactively build Starwood's talent bench strength through strategic integrated approaches for talent management and development. Since 2003, Starwood Careers has nurtured more than 10,000 Associates; and in 2014 alone, more than 3000 Associates across Asia Pacific are expected to benefit from Starwood Careers.

Participating for the first time, Starwood Asia Pacific is one of 13 organizations honored in the annual awards that bestow recognition to organizations with the best practices in key areas of human capital management and development.  In the same awards ceremony, Starwood was also finalist for the “Best Practice in Engagement and Retention” award for Starwood Cares, Starwood's commitment towards creating a more caring and supportive workplace. This award seeks to recognize companies that successfully and meaningfully keep their most valued employees engaged.

To date, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific has received over 20 awards & accolades in the areas of employee engagement, talent development, training and employer of choice. Key accolades won in 2014 alone include:

• Best Employee Engagement – HRM Awards 2014
• Top 10 - Best Leadership Development - HRM Awards 2014
• Excellence in Employee Development award – HRE Awards 2014
• Top 10 - Excellence in Leadership Development - HRE Awards 2014
• Best Talent Development Enterprise Award - Training Magazine China 2014

Starwood continues to be one of the fastest growing hotel companies in Asia Pacific.  It currently has over 280 hotels in operation and over 220 hotels in the pipeline. Since January 2014, Starwood has opened more than 18 hotels across all nine of its distinct lifestyle brands.  

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About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,200 properties in 100 countries, and 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood 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, Aloft®, and Element®. 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 also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please