BETHESDA, Md., February 16, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Marriott International announces this with deep sadness Arne M. Sorenson, President and CEO, died unexpectedly February 15, 2021. In the May 2019, the company announced that Mr. Sorenson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On February 2, 2021, Marriott shared the news that Mr. Sorenson will temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate a more demanding treatment for pancreatic cancer.
(PRNewsfoto / Marriott International, Inc.)
(PRNewsfoto / Marriott International, Inc.)
(PRNewsfoto / Marriott International, Inc.)
Mr. Sorenson became the third CEO in Marriott history in 2012 and the first without a Marriott surname. A visionary leader, Mr. Sorenson put the company on a strong growth trajectory that included $ 13 billion purchase of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Sorenson was tireless in leading the company’s progress, creating opportunities for associates, growth for owners and franchisees, and results for the company’s shareholders. Known for his leadership in difficult national and global issues, Mr. Sorenson has led Marriott to make significant progress in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human trafficking awareness.
“Arne was an exceptional executive – but more than that – he was an exceptional human being,” said JW Marriott, Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the board. “Arne loved every aspect of this business and enjoyed the time we spent touring our hotels and meeting with associates around the world. He had an extraordinary ability to anticipate where the hospitality industry is heading and position Marriott for growth. Husband, father “Brother and friend. On behalf of the board and hundreds of thousands of Marriott associates around the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Arne’s wife and four children. We share your suffering and will miss Arne deeply.”
When Mr. Sorenson resigned from full-time management in early February, the company turned to two veteran Marriott executives. Stephanie Linnartz, Chairman of the Group, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Business and Tony Capuano, Chairman of the Group, Global Development, Design and Operations Services, to share responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s business units and corporate functions, in addition to maintaining their current responsibilities. Mrs Linnartz and Mr Capuano will continue in this capacity until the Marriott Board appoints a new CEO, who is expected to be in the next two weeks.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA and comprises a portfolio of over 7,500 properties under 30 top brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and authorizes resorts worldwide. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy ™, its highly awarded tourism program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.
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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.
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