Arne Sorenson, Marriott International president and CEO, unexpectedly passed away, aged 62, on 15

February 2021.

In May 2019, the company announced Sorenson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On 2 February 2021, Marriott shared the news that he’d 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 US$13bn acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Marriott encompasses more than 7,500 properties under 30 brands spanning 132 countries and territories, including numerous brands with luxury spa concepts such as Ritz Carlton, Bulgari Hotels and Resorts, St Regis and The Luxury Collection.

During his tenure as CEO, Sorenson became known for his leadership on difficult national and global issues.

He also steered Marriott to make significant progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human trafficking awareness.

When Sorenson stepped back in February, the company tapped two veteran Marriott executives, Stephanie Linnartz, group president of Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, and Tony Capuano, group president of 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.

“Arne was an exceptional executive – but more than that – he was an exceptional human being,” said J W Marriott Jr, chair of the board and executive company chair.

“He loved every aspect of this business and 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 all of Marriott’s associates around the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Arne’s wife and four children. We share your heartbreak, and we will miss him deeply.”