Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hires Carol H. Williams Advertising to Target African American Market

OAKLAND, CA -- Dec. 30, 2004 -- Carol H. Williams Advertising announced today the addition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) to the agency’s distinguished list of clients, further identifying the agency as one known for developing compelling campaigns targeting African American and urban consumers.

Carol H. Williams will integrate a distinct African American voice into Starwood’s advertising and marketing campaigns, specifically for its Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, and Westin brands. The agency will consult on multicultural marketing plans, provide strategic direction, and negotiate and purchase media directed towards African American consumers for the global hotel giant.

“Starwood is partnering with CHWA to do something truly special,” said agency founder and CEO Carol H. Williams. “By developing campaigns that express an understanding of the African American market’s value, they are making another leap in their commitment to multiculturalism.”

Starwood joins the Carol H. Williams family in the company of many esteemed national and multi-national corporations all of which are leaders and innovators in their industries. “Our clients partner with CHWA so we can convey their brand messages in culturally savvy ways to increase their brand’s growth potential,” said Grant Dorster Vice President, Group Account Director.

Carol H. Williams Advertising founded in 1986, is a full service marketing communications agency that specializes in developing integrated strategic marketing plans and innovative advertising for the African American market. CHWA strategically builds communications campaigns by understanding the African American consumer and reflecting insights learned through research, translated into arresting creative. Our client list includes General Motors, Procter and Gamble, Coors Brewing Company, Albertsons, Allstate Insurance, Luster Products and Washington Mutual. For more information please visit our website www.CarolHWilliams.com.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

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Wesley Mallette

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Carol H. Williams Advertising

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