Starwood Promotes Avril, Rivera in Senior Leadership Shift

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is streamlining management of its Starwood Vacation Ownership (SVO) the promotion of Matthew E. Avril, currently co-president of (SVO), to President of Starwood’s Hotel Group. Meanwhile, Sergio Rivera, president and managing director of real estate development and Avril's co-president, will now have sole management for SVO as its CEO. Both Avril and Rivera will continue to report to Frits van Paasschen, Starwood’s president and CEO, and will continue to serve on Starwood’s Senior Leadership Team.  

Avril will relocate to Starwood’s headquarters in White Plains, NY  to oversee hotel operations worldwide for Starwood’s nine hotel brands. He will also oversee Starwood's global sales organization. Avril has more than 22 years of industry experience, including 16 years with Starwood and Vistana, a vacation ownership company that is now part of SVO.

Rivera will be responsible for the overall performance of Starwood's Vacation Ownership and Residential Development operations. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, including more than 17 years with the company and its predecessor Vistana.