BETHESDA, Md. — Marriott International announced yesterday that long-time executive Don Cleary has decided to retire, effective February 2024. Cleary has served as president, Marriott Hotels of Canada since 2015.
“Throughout his 34-year career with Marriott, Don has served as a strategic leader and an exemplar of Marriott’s culture, while overseeing significant growth for Marriott in Canada,” says Liam Brown, group president, United States and Canada, Marriott International. “We’re grateful for Don’s service and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Marriott remains committed to investing in a dedicated senior leadership team to oversee our operations in Canada as we continue to build on the valuable relationships Don has developed over the years with owners, management companies, government officials, and industry organizations.”
Cleary started with Marriott in 1989 and held multiple leadership positions during his career, including area vice-president, Western Region, Americas; vice-president, International Hotel Development, where he focused on development in Central and South America; and assistant general counsel, responsible for all development-related legal activities in those regions. In 2010, he moved to Hong Kong to assume the role of Chief Financial Officer, Asia Pacific, where he led the continent finance function, and later became Chief Operations Officer, Asia Pacific, where he had operating responsibility for the region’s hotels.
In 2015, Cleary assumed the role of president, Marriott Hotels of Canada, overseeing the acquisition and successful integration of Delta Hotels, which established Marriott as the largest hotel company in Canada, as well as the integration of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Canada. Under his leadership, total hotel room count in Canada more than doubled to more than 56,000 rooms and more than 270 hotels, with more than 100 in the pipeline. He served for six years on the Tourism Industry Association of Canada Board and was a member of the Tourism Roundtable.
“Leading Marriott Hotels of Canada has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” says Cleary. “I am incredibly proud of the strong team we have built and all that we have been able to accomplish. Canada will remain an important place for me and my family, and I look forward to continuing to enjoy the natural beauty, the dynamic culture, and the warmth and hospitality of the people – all of which make this country so special.”
Marriott is conducting a search for a new head of Canadian business operations.
