Marriott International Announces the Unexpected Passing of Arne M. Sorenson, President and CEO

Rhea-AI Summary

Marriott International announced with deep sadness the unexpected passing of Arne M. Sorenson, the company's President and CEO, on February 15, 2021. Sorenson, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2019, had temporarily reduced his schedule for treatment earlier in February 2021. Known for his visionary leadership, he played a critical role in Marriott's impressive growth, including the $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels. Following his departure, Stephanie Linnartz and Tony Capuano are overseeing day-to-day operations until a new CEO is appointed.

Positive

• Arne Sorenson's leadership led to the successful $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels.
• During his tenure, Sorenson fostered growth for owners, franchisees, and shareholders.

Negative

• The unexpected passing of a pivotal CEO creates uncertainty during a critical recovery phase for the hospitality industry.
• Interim management may lead to potential disruptions in the company's strategic direction.

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with profound sadness that Marriott International announces that Arne M. Sorenson, President and CEO, unexpectedly passed away on February 15, 2021. In 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 would temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate more demanding treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Sorenson became the third CEO in Marriott's history in 2012, and the first without the Marriott surname. A visionary leader, Mr. Sorenson put the company on a strong growth trajectory that included the $13-billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Sorenson was tireless in driving the company's progress, creating opportunities for associates, growth for owners and franchisees and results for the company's shareholders. Known for his leadership on difficult national and global issues, Mr. Sorenson steered Marriott to make significant progress on 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 J.W. Marriott, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. "Arne loved every aspect of this business and relished time spent touring our hotels and meeting associates around the world. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate where the hospitality industry was headed and position Marriott for growth. But the roles he relished the most were as husband, father, brother and friend. On behalf of the Board and Marriott's hundreds of thousands of associates around the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Arne's wife and four children. We share your heartbreak, and we will miss Arne deeply."

When Mr. Sorenson stepped back from full-time management in early February, the company tapped two veteran Marriott executives, Stephanie Linnartz, Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, and Tony Capuano, Group President, 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. Ms. Linnartz and Mr. Capuano will continue in this capacity until the Marriott Board appoints a new CEO, which is expected to be within the next two weeks.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,500 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel 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.

FAQ

What was the cause of Arne Sorenson's death?

Arne Sorenson passed away unexpectedly due to complications related to pancreatic cancer.

When did Marriott announce Arne Sorenson's passing?

Marriott announced Arne Sorenson's passing on February 16, 2021.

Who is overseeing Marriott's operations after Sorenson's death?

Stephanie Linnartz and Tony Capuano are currently overseeing Marriott's day-to-day operations.

How long did Arne Sorenson serve as CEO of Marriott?

Arne Sorenson served as CEO of Marriott International since 2012.

What significant acquisition did Marriott make under Sorenson's leadership?

Under Arne Sorenson's leadership, Marriott completed the $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels.