Starwood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Rick Segal to the newly created position of vice president, owner relations for Latin America. The 35-year industry veteran returns to the company, where he spent the first 22 years of his career. Segal will be responsible for liaising with the owners of nearly 80 existing hotels and some 20 more currently under development. Most recently, he served as managing director of Park Hyatt Hotels North America, in addition to overseeing the flagship Park Hyatt Chicago from 1999 to 2011.