Press Release
October 3, 2000
BOSTON, MA -- Digitas Inc., a leader in bricks and clicks business integration, announced today that it was named
strategic partner and agency of record to Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Digitas will work with Starwood to develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for the company's eBusiness
strategy. Digitas initiatives will include the development and redesign of Starwood's and its subsidiary hotel
and resort brands' Internet sites, as well as the launch of marketing and technology programs in support of the
company's extensive online efforts.
``Starwood has developed a superior global portfolio of upscale and luxury hotels and resorts within its system.
The company now aims to develop a leading digital strategy to effectively compete in an industry that has been,
and will continue to be, profoundly affected by the Internet,'' said David Kenny, chairman and chief executive
officer of Digitas. ``The Company has a reputation for delivering superior service throughout its St. Regis, The
Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points and W brands, and we look forward to helping them develop customer-centric
Internet solutions to further that record.''
``We strive for strong customer loyalty and satisfaction by catering to the individual client's or guest's needs,''
said Steve Hankin, President, Starwood Technology and Revenue Systems (S.T.A.R.S.), a division of Starwood. ``Today,
the Internet, through its multiple access mediums, is an extension of that person's experience with the network
of Starwood properties. Digitas has an extensive record of delivering value-added, effective digital consultancy,
strategy, execution and marketing, and will help us leverage our existing Internet platform to drive additional
value and service through our physical assets.''
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT; www.starwoodhotels.com)
is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and
120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully
integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton,
Westin, Four Points and W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and
operators of high quality vacation interval ownership.
About Digitas
Digitas (www.digitas.com) is a leading Internet professional services firm
that helps companies transform their businesses to meet the challenges and opportunities of the Internet economy.
Digitas combines best of breed capabilities in integrated strategy, technology, creative, and marketing solutions
to help Fortune 100 and other blue chip companies leverage their existing assets and the Internet to build customer
value and gain competitive advantage. The company serves as strategic partner to several industry leading clients,
including American Express Company, AT&T, General Motors Corporation, L.L. Bean, Inc., the NBA and Neiman Marcus
Group, all of whom deliver optimal customer value through Digitas solutions. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Digitas
employs more than 1600 people and has offices in New York, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Miami and London.
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Contact:
Digitas
Maureen Bailey, 617/867-1473
mbailey@digitas.com
or
The Abernathy MacGregor Group
Andrew Merrill or David Pitts, 212/371-5999
dfp@abmac.com