Starwood VP dies in skiing accident

Starwood Capital acquisition vice president Edd Hendee has died in a skiing accident in Vermont, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based firm has confirmed.

Barry Sternlicht, founder and chief executive officer of Starwood, paid tribute to the 33-year-old saying he was a “selfless executive and a tremendous mentor”, who would always be remembered for his “infectious laugh, impish smile and warm heart”. Hendee, who died on Saturday after skiing in Vermont, leaves a wife and three young children.

He was not only smart but incredibly creative and a self-starter who loved to source opportunities and find ways in which to make them happen. He never gave up. Starwood Capital spokesman

After leaving Harvard Business School in May 2006, Hendee was recruited personally by Sternlicht, working as his assistant for a year. He helped Starwood’s $160 million joint venture with BR Guest Restaurants in 2007, shortly before being promoted to vice president in one of the shortest periods of time in Starwood’s history, a spokesman said.

As vice president, Hendee focused on acquisitions for the firm’s $900 million Starwood Hospitality Fund I and its $900 million follow-on fund, including the deal to acquire the mortgage debt on New York’s Carlyle Hotel.

This summer, Hendee co-led the IPO of Starwood’s blind pool mortgage REIT, Starwood Property Trust, which raised more than $920 million.

“Beyond the day to day, Edd was a contributor in every way to promote the success of Starwood and of its employees,” a spokesman said. “He was not only smart but incredibly creative and a self-starter who loved to source opportunities and find ways in which to make them happen. He never gave up.

“While Edd was serious about his work, but he never took himself too seriously.  He was passionate, fun loving, adventuresome, loyal, and light spirited.”