Alison Taylor has been named senior vice president of Starwood's sales organization, replacing Christie Hicks, who announced in February that she would step down when a replacement was named (see related story here). A 25-year Starwood veteran, Taylor most recently led sales and revenue management in Asia Pacific. She will be responsible for setting Starwood's business-to-business sales strategy and leading a sales team of more than 5,000 associates around the world. Originally from Australia and educated in London, Taylor earned a business degree in Hotel Management and Marketing from Victoria University, Melbourne. She will be based in Starwood's Stamford, Conn., headquarters.