BETHESDA, Md. — Earlier today, Marriott International announced the unexpected passing of Arne Sorenson. In May 2019, the company announced Sorenson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On February 2, 2021, Marriott shared the news that he would temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate more demanding treatment.
Sorenson became the third CEO in Marriott’s history in 2012 and the first without the Marriott surname. A visionary leader, he 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,” says 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.”
