Work Is Suspended on Hilton’s Denizen Brand
From today’s Wall Street Journal is a story on how Hilton was served with a Grand Jury Subpoena in regards to using confidential documents and stealing employees from Starwood for the development of their new brand – Denizen.
This is a significant turn of events because it now becomes a federal case, involving the US Attorney’s Office and not just a lawsuit between two competitors.
Because of this move, Hilton on Friday suspended all development of their Denizen brand, put Ross Klein, Amar Lalvani and also the majority of Hilton’s Luxury and Lifestyle Division on paid administrative leave pending the the outcome of “Hilton’s investigation”.
This could very well become the beginning of the end of the Denizen brand, as well as the careers of Ross Klein & Amar Lavlani in the hotel industry. It’s ashame that it had to come to this – Amar was very good in the development end and Ross – while exactly what he brought to the table can be disputed – is definitely one who is able to create hype in the marketing world.
This could also set back Hilton;s playbook significantly over the next few years as they will have a huge bruise on their face from both developers, as well as the public for playing unfairly.
I’ve spoke to Ross & Amar personally in the past and always envied their positions in the Hotel Industry – in a way I looked up to both of them because they were where I wanted to be: leading the development and creation of some great hotel brands (W, St Regis, Luxury Collection – and then Hilton’s Prestige Porfolio).
I’m still reserving final judgment on their actions, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth that they’d be involved in hurting their previous company for their own personal gain. If there is one thing I’ve always learned in the business world is don’t burn your bridges and always be honest and truthful about things, because it always comes back to bite you in the end. Two items that they seemed to forgotten about, which is a shame.
Related posts:
- Hilton Has Serious Issues To Get Through With This Starwood Lawsuit
- Hilton Launches New Extended Stay Brand: Home2 Suites by Hilton
- Hilton Definitely Launching New Lifestyle Brand In March
Category: branding, denizen, hilton, Hotel Development, Hotels, marketing, ross klein, Starwood Hotels
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In my business hype is a bit overplayed, as real ideas are far and few between. Ultimately, style isn’t everything; substance is.
In my business hype is a bit overplayed, as real ideas are far and few between. Ultimately, style isn’t everything; substance is.
In my business hype is a bit overplayed, as real ideas are far and few between. Ultimately, style isn’t everything; substance is.
I am still trying to figure what Amar Lalvani and Ross Klein brought to the table. I don’t doubt they are smart and capable individuals. However, the W was an established brand far before any of these two guys came into the fold at Starwood.
Did these two simply leverage the W goodwill to newer locations and greater prominence with the help of Starwood capital and branding. Personally, I don’t think so. But, then again, it was such a hoopla when they left Starwood.
I give them credit for for doing something right. Not sure how much credit I give them for making the W a “hip brand” (as people call it).
I am still trying to figure what Amar Lalvani and Ross Klein brought to the table. I don’t doubt they are smart and capable individuals. However, the W was an established brand far before any of these two guys came into the fold at Starwood.
Did these two simply leverage the W goodwill to newer locations and greater prominence with the help of Starwood capital and branding. Personally, I don’t think so. But, then again, it was such a hoopla when they left Starwood.
I give them credit for for doing something right. Not sure how much credit I give them for making the W a “hip brand” (as people call it).
St. Regis and Luxury Collection brands did not had any thing to do with these two gentlmen(Ross & Amar). Also, “W” was the personal decision of the executive and investor who created Starwood, (Mr. B. Sternlicht). I do not want to take any credit away from these two gentlmen, but for sure they had nothing to do with the brands mentioned before. Thanks for your article.
Manny
St. Regis and Luxury Collection brands did not had any thing to do with these two gentlmen(Ross & Amar). Also, “W” was the personal decision of the executive and investor who created Starwood, (Mr. B. Sternlicht). I do not want to take any credit away from these two gentlmen, but for sure they had nothing to do with the brands mentioned before. Thanks for your article.
Manny
St. Regis and Luxury Collection brands did not had any thing to do with these two gentlmen(Ross & Amar). Also, “W” was the personal decision of the executive and investor who created Starwood, (Mr. B. Sternlicht). I do not want to take any credit away from these two gentlmen, but for sure they had nothing to do with the brands mentioned before. Thanks for your article.
Manny
Manny, you are correct that Amar & Ross did not have anything to do with the creation of St Regis, Luxury Collection and the W brands, but they were in fact involved in the daily operation/development/expansion of those brands prior to their leaving Starwood Hotels.
Ross Klein was the president of the Luxury Brands Group, which encompassed W, St Regis & Luxury Collection, and Amar was VP of Development for the Luxury Collection, so they were in fact heavily involved.