Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. will place both its Westin and Sheraton advertising accounts up for review. Creative and media for both brands are currently managed by DDB of New York.
Starwood CEO Scott Williams said the company's parting with DDB is a result of "changing business objectives and the current economic climate." He said DDB has declined an invitation to participate in
the upcoming review. The search for a new agency to develop worldwide creative and handle media for both brands is under way, with request for proposals being distributed this week to 10-12 agencies.
A decision for the $20-30 million account is expected by first quarter of 2002. Divisions outside of North America will adopt the selected creative, and handle media locally.