Industry NewsMarriott Announces Passing of Arne Sorenson

Marriott Announces Passing of Arne Sorenson

BETHESDA, Md. — Marriott International today announced the unexpected passing of Arne M. Sorenson, president and CEO, on February 15, 2021.

In May 2019, the company announced that Sorenson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On February 2, 2021, Marriott shared the news that Sorenson would temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate more demanding treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Sorenson became the third CEO in Marriott’s history in 2012, and the first without the Marriott surname. A visionary leader, Sorenson put the company on a strong growth trajectory that included the $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure as CEO, 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, 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 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. Linnartz and Capuano will continue in this capacity until the Marriott Board appoints a new CEO, which is expected to be within the next two weeks.

Editor’s note: Read statements from industry leaders on Sorenson’s life and legacy here.

RELATED ARTICLES

AHLA Issues Statement on Senate Passage of Reconciliation Package

WASHINGTON—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) issued the following statement from its president and chief executive officer, Rosanna Maietta, following the inclusion of...

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Japan With Opening of Fairmont Tokyo

NEW YORK—Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced its debut in Japan with the opening of Fairmont Tokyo. The milestone was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony...

Duetto Launches GameTime RMS

SAN FRANCISCO, California—Duetto announced the launch of GameTime, a streamlined revenue management system (RMS) designed specifically for select-service and limited-service hotel brands. GameTime offers a...

Grand Hyatt Washington Unveils Renovated Guestrooms, Expanded Grand Club Lounge

WASHINGTON—Grand Hyatt Washington announced the unveiling of its newly renovated 902 guestrooms, 31 reimagined suites, and expanded Grand Club lounge, marking a significant milestone...

Sonesta Executes Definitive Agreement With AKEN Hotels & Resorts

NEWTON, Massachusetts—Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announced the execution of a strategic alliance with AKEN Hotels & Resorts LLC. This definitive agreement marks a significant...

DKN Hotels Opens TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Oxnard, California

OXNARD, California—TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ventura Oxnard has officially opened its doors. Located in the RiverPark neighborhood, the hotel is just a short walk...