As part of a new initiative to recognize general managers’ excellence in leadership in their sales departments, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has awarded Kelly Sanders, general manager of the Sheraton Waikiki in Waikiki, Hawaii with the second inaugural Chief Sales Officer Award for the second quarter.
After four years as general manager of the Sheraton Waikiki, Sanders was nominated by his on-site Complex Sales and Marketing team for leading them to record sales and surpassing second quarter and annual goals. In Q2, Sanders and his team are forecasting to exceed their overall room revenue budget by $9.5 million, surpassed overall group sales by 20.2 percent and recorded a record Meeting Planners’ Satisfaction score at 4.59 out of five.
Sanders is a 14-year veteran of Starwood beginning his career at the Westin Gas Lamp in 1996. In 2006, Sanders moved to the Sheraton Waikiki in time to lead it through a $185 million renovation touching every aspect of the guest experience including lobby, guestroom and ballroom renovations as well as associate training and on-site services such as banquet and sales.
The Chief Sales Officer Award will be awarded quarterly to one General Manager from any of the brand's 533 North American properties across Starwood’s nine distinct and compelling brands: Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, W, Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton.
