The Branding Test That Built a Billion-Dollar Hotel Empire

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline is joined by Chris Holdren, a visionary marketing leader whose career has shaped some of the world’s most iconic hospitality and entertainment brands. Most recently, Chris served as EVP Chief Marketing Officer and later Co-President of Caesars Digital, where he helped lead the brand’s foray into the digital gaming world. Katie and Chris first met during their time at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where Chris spent 15 years leading digital innovation, loyalty programs, partnerships, and brand strategy during one of the most transformative eras in hospitality. Prior to that, he was with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, helping pioneer the intersection of entertainment and technology. In this candid conversation, Chris shares how his grandfather’s small motel business sparked a lifelong passion for hospitality, how Starwood’s global culture and spirit of innovation inspired him to stay for more than a decade, and what it was like to help launch game-changing initiatives like Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), collaborations with Apple and mobile keyless entry. From his early days in digital strategy to navigating major brand integrations and launching Caesars Sportsbook, Chris offers insights on leading through change, building loyalty in a crowded market, and the lasting impact of working with purpose-driven people. Connect with Chris: Chris's LinkedIn - Link Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Suite Success Website - Link Connect with Katie  — Suite Success is part of the Hospitality.FM podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!