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Ross Klein is the President of W Hotels Worldwide, an international collection of luxury design hotels. As the first hotel brand to combine the personality of an independent hotel with the first class service and unique amenities found in the world's leading luxury hotels, W broke through the clutter of conformity with its "Whatever/Whenever" philosophy of service.
Since the launch of the W brand in 1998, 20 W properties have opened up in major cities around the world. Under Klein's leadership, the seven year-old W brand has evolved into an international lifestyle authority, delivering unique experiences in design and luxury from San Diego to Seoul. Klein’s infusion of experience-driven marketing has helped to create a space where guests are the insiders, feeling both comfortable and cool, fashionable but friendly, inclusive-exclusivity.
In addition to leading W Hotels, Klein oversees the development and branding of Starwood's new W-inspired aloft brand, which will offer great style, design, functionality and comfort, all at an affordable rate. The first aloft hotel is schedule to open in first quarter of 2007.
Klein joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts, W's parent company, in March of 2003, as Chief Marketing Officer and with his visionary retail and marketing expertise, elevated the W philosophy to the next level. A unique talent and ability for defining and distinguishing brands proved to be an invaluable source of growth for the W brand. He has directed the openings of new W hotels in Mexico City, Seoul and Montreal, and is currently laying the groundwork for future openings in cities like Scottsdale, South Beach, Las Vegas, Hollywood, Barcelona and the Maldives. He is also responsible for developing the framework and branding of W's new residential offerings, the first of which will open in Dallas, Texas in June of 2006.
Klein previously served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing for Ralph Lauren and the Polo Jeans Company. In this capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of marketing for Polo Jeans Company, Ralph by Ralph Lauren and Lauren by Ralph Lauren, including the development of strategic marketing plans and creative communication programs for all three lifestyle brands.
Throughout his career, Klein has cultivated a unique perspective on brand marketing that has resonated with the retail, fashion and entertainment communities and earned him numerous awards for his programs. Klein joined Sun Apparel, a division of the Jones Apparel Group, in 1997 as Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing, where he led the national marketing efforts for Polo Jeans Company and TO2/Todd Oldham Brands.
Prior to Sun Apparel, Klein was the Vice President of Marketing for Joe Boxer and was responsible for the winning irreverent character associated with the brand. He also held prominent creative positions at Bon Jour and Liz Claiborne, among other retailers.
Klein earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Florida. He resides in New York City.
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