Steven J. Heyer has resigned as CEO and a director of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Heyer, 54, had been CEO and a director since October 2004. Bruce W. Duncan, 55, Starwood's Chairman since 2005 and a director since 1995, will also serve as interim CEO while the Board conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

Stephen R. Quazzo, Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Starwood Board, said, "While the Board appreciates the good work Steve Heyer has done to position Starwood for the future, issues with regard to his management style have led us to lose confidence in his leadership. Starwood today is performing well and has a strong market position, a winning strategy, and significant growth potential. Given the company's deep management team and Bruce Duncan's willingness to serve as interim CEO on a full-time basis as long as he is needed, the Board is confident Starwood's performance will not miss a beat."