• The Wall Street Journal (subscription required), Wednesday, January 3, 2007 11 AM

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has received more than 5,500 applications from beer lovers in 31 countries vying for the new position of chief beer officer at its The Four Points by Sheraton hotel chain.

Beyond having a passion for and knowledge of beer, strong verbal and written skills are required for the CBO position, as the winner will be representing the company at promotional events, leading brewery tours, selecting beers for hotel menus and attending new hotel openings. Applicants must be of legal drinking age.

The job is a largely promotional gimmick for the moment, but Starwood says it could evolve into a more serious position down the road. Position highlights include thousands of Starwood Preferred Guest points that can be used for free hotel stays; leading a group to Oktoberfest in Munich; and representing Starwood at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver in October.

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