Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide’s CEO, president and director Frits van Paasschen has resigned “by mutual agreement” with the company’s board of directors.

Adam Aron, a director of the company since 2006, will take over the CEO role on an interim basis while the board interviews both internal and external candidates for a more permanent appointment.

van Paasschen will continue with Starwood as a consultant to assist in the leadership transition.

Chair of the board Bruce Duncan thanked van Paasschen for his contribution and said the things the board will concentrate on now include “accelerating Starwood’s growth, improving performance and sharpening its focus on operational excellence.”

Aron has experience in the hospitality industry, as a former CEO of both Vail Resorts – an owner and operator of ski resorts and hotels – and Norwegian Cruise Line.