The lobby of Le Méridien Qingdao, in Qungdao, Shandong, China, exemplifi es the modern look of Starwood’s Chinese properties.


tors, and its success has come in large part from the detailed preparations of its legal department. Parsing the language of international taxation, acquisitions, consolidations, and restructuring require intimate knowledge of both interna- tional laws and the laws of individual nations. In order to handle its complex deals, Starwood dispatches teams of U.S.-based lawyers to live and work abroad as the company opens more loca- tions around the world. T ese attorneys are not only charged with learning the rules and principles that govern each nation, but they’re also encouraged to establish relationships with local attor- neys as part of their overseas rotation, which can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. Jason Cohen, Starwood’s vice presi-


dent and general counsel, Asia Pacifi c, was no stranger to living and working abroad when the company sent him to Singapore in 2008. As a college student, he spent time in Japan and returned after graduation to work for a Japanese fi nancial institution and then later in the Tokyo offi ce of an international law fi rm.


Singapore, and India. T e luxury brand also has high-end proper- ties throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Australia. “We have been


in Asia as a hotel company probably longer than any other American brand—actually more than any other international hotel company,” Siegel says. “But what has happened over the past several years is the growth opportunity has gone from a nice piece of the business to a major part of our growth strategy. We service a global marketplace. Our guests come from all around the world, and our guests travel all around the world. Essentially, a business like ours needs to be, or should be, everywhere.” By establishing its presence early, Starwood has ensured that its international footprint eclipses that of its competi-


MCCA.COM


“We have local lawyers work with experienced U.S. attorneys to understand the specifics of working for a multinational


company.” Jason Cohen, Vice President and General Counsel, Asia Pacifi c Starwood Hotels and Resorts


He has traveled extensively throughout the region on behalf of Starwood and is now based in Singapore, which is home to the company’s Asia Pacifi c headquarters. As a VP, Cohen focuses on growing his team of attorneys, which includes lawyers from Singapore, China, and India. His management style emphasizes cooperative leadership: T e discipline that drives the U.S. attorneys makes its way into the international offi ces, and the indigenous lawyers provide local knowledge while serving as experts in their native countries.


JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 DIVERSITY & THE BAR®


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