Marriott International announced that Arne M. Sorenson, president and CEO, passed away 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 took the helm at Marriott International in 2012, becoming the third CEO in the company’s history and the first without the Marriott surname. Under his leadership, he helped put the company on a growth trajectory that included the $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Known for his leadership on 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 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: Stephanie Linnartz, group president of consumer operations, technology and emerging businesses; and Tony Capuano, group president of global development, design and operations services.
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.
This story is based on a press release from Marriott International.
Industry Remembers Sorenson
Hospitality leaders including Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S Travel; Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA; Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton; and Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, took to social media Tuesday morning to remember Sorenson.
“It is difficult to find words that express the depth of our sadness at the passing of Arne Sorenson, our dear friend, business leader and travel advocate." - Roger Dow https://t.co/Yke4g8uO8k
— U.S. Travel (@USTravel) February 16, 2021
Today, we join the hotel community in mourning the passing of a generational leader, Arne Sorensen. Our hearts go out to his immediate and extended family at @MarriottIntl. His lasting legacy will live on in all of us. https://t.co/qhTwMqMBqm
— AHLA (@AHLA) February 16, 2021
I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson. Arne was generous with his time when I was starting out. We spent time together hosting each other's leadership teams, and he and I supported each other during the pandemic. He will be missed.
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) February 16, 2021
Meeting professionals also reflected on his leadership on national and global issues.
Beyond the hospitality industry, business leaders reflected on Sorenson's impact, including the CEO of Microsoft and former CEO of IBM.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Arne Sorenson. He was a servant leader and a person of great humility. I am tremendously grateful for his service to our board and mentorship over the years and will miss him dearly. Our condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues.
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) February 16, 2021
I will be forever grateful for having had such a dear friend & role model in Arne Sorenson. Leaning on one another & learning from each other over the years has been invaluable. Alongside others, I will miss Arne dearly but I know that his grace & dignity will be with us forever. pic.twitter.com/3DuP9tvde8
— Ginni Rometty (@GinniRometty) February 16, 2021
Read This Next: Flexibility and Safety on Display at Marriott Connect With Confidence Event
