Brian Abel

Brian joined Starwood in 2004 to lead Food and Beverage for Westin Hotels & Resorts. He helped re-position Westin F&B by creating and implementing new restaurant concepts, banquets & catering initiatives, and innovative programs such as Westin’s Superfoods Program.

Over the past six years, Brian’s role has expanded and he is now leads Food & Beverage for the North America Division of Starwood. In this position, Brian oversees all operational aspects of the $1.6 billion F&B division and provides supports for 450+ hotels (owned, managed, and franchised). In addition, he works closely with each of Starwood’s nine Hotel Brands (St. Regis, W, Luxury Collection, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, and Element) developing F&B programs and restaurant and bar concepts. In addition, Brian leads all Starwood’s third-party restaurant and bar relationships and works closely with owners and hotels to pair the right partner with the right location and Brand. A few of our great partners are Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Alain Ducasse.

Prior to joining Starwood, Brian worked extensively in the independent restaurant world with Jefferey Chodorow’s China Grill Management as well as in the hotel industry running F&B at both the SoHo Grand and Tribeca Grand Hotels. Brian earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University. He is married and has two children.