NEW YORK—February 9, 2009—Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) has granted “digital agency of record” status to Razorfish, one of the largest digital marketing companies in the world and one of the largest buyers of digital ad space.
The New York-based Razorfish team will continue to work with Starwood and its renowned brands including Le Meridien, Westin, Sheraton, W, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element, and Starwood Preferred Guest. Likewise, Razorfish will provide its full suite of services: media planning and buying, search engine marketing, strategy, planning, creative, and metrics measurement.
Work planned for 2009 will build on the media and digital brand building that Razorfish has been doing for Starwood since 2003. Last year, for example, Razorfish created the digital extension of the "This is how it should feel" brand positioning campaign for Westin Hotels and Resorts, which won a 2008 OMMA Audience Award for Best Integrated Campaign.
“We have been working with Razorfish for many years and have been completely impressed with their digital talents,” said David Marr, VP of brand management, North America, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. “We are proud to give Razorfish the status of digital agency of record—the entire team is best-in-class.
Pete Stein, president of the Northeast region of Razorfish, said the team is thrilled to serve Starwood as digital agency of record. “Starwood is one of our New York office’s longest-held accounts. What’s more, David and his team encourage us continually to push the boundaries of what is possible with digital creative and media,” Stein said. “Starwood is a great brand, and we look forward to another year of marketing innovation.”
About Razorfish
Razorfish, formerly Avenue A | Razorfish, is one of the largest interactive marketing and technology companies in the world, and is also one of the largest buyers of digital advertising space. With a demonstrated commitment to innovation, Razorfish counsels its clients on how to leverage digital channels such as the Web, mobile devices, in-store technologies and other emerging media to engage people, build brand loyalty and provide excellent customer service. The company is increasingly advising marketers on Social Influence Marketing™, its approach for employing social media and social influencers to achieve the marketing and business needs of an organization. Its award-winning client teams provide solutions through their strategic counsel, digital advertising and content creation, media buying, analytics, technology and user experience. Razorfish has offices in markets across the United States, and in Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. Clients include Carnival Cruise Lines, MillerCoors, Levi's, McDonald's and Starwood Hotels. Visit www.razorfish.com for more information.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns 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.