Bakker has complemented his work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality from the Hotel School Maastricht, an MBA from the University of Bradford, and a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Appointed Starwood’s Corporate Director of Food and Beverage, New Builds and Transitions in the U.S. in 2004, Bakker was in charge of overseeing and supporting the Food and Beverage programming, all pre-opening Food and Beverage activities at Starwood’s new builds, and conversion properties in the U.S. and Caribbean. In December 2008, Bakker became co-leader of Starwood’s North American Food and Beverage team, and combined his extensive experience with luxury hotels and talent to great success.

As of May 2010, Bakker supports all of Starwood’s Food and Beverage activities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EAME) as the Senior Director of Food and Beverage for this division. Based out of Brussels, Bakker leads the Food and Beverage operations in 250 hotels across three continents, guiding growth and development in this part of the world. Bakker is now involved in supporting Food and Beverage partners at over thirty operating venues as well as the sourcing, contracting, and guiding of partners for an additional thirty venues under development.