Christie Hicks is Senior Vice President, Global Sales for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. In this position, Ms. Hicks oversees the global sales organization, including group, leisure and corporate transient sales. Ms. Hicks leads a sales organization of more than 250 senior global sales associates and is responsible for $1.7 billion in revenue annually.

With more than 21 years of experience in the hotel industry, Ms. Hicks joined Starwood in 1999 as Vice President, North America Global Sales. During her tenure at Starwood, she has received three significant promotions, the most recent of which was in October 2005. Ms. Hicks has received several industry awards, including the 2006 Vision Award from NYSAE and the 2005 PCMA Professional Achievement Award. Ms. Hicks has also been named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Hospitality Industry by Meetings and Conventions Magazine.

Ms. Hicks began her career with Hyatt in 1985, where she was Vice President of National Sales. During her tenure with Hyatt, Ms. Hicks served in a number of national sales positions, including Director of Sales and Marketing for Hyatt's northeast national sales office and Assistant Vice President of National Sales. She is a past recipient of the Donald N. Pritzker Award, Hyatt’s most prestigious sales award.

Active in industry affairs, Ms. Hicks is a member of the Professional Convention Management Association Foundation (PCMA) Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. She is also a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Board of Directors and Chair of the CIC Foundation. Ms. Hicks is a frequent speaker and participant in industry forums.

Ms. Hicks graduated from Tulane University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree.