Published on Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Marriott announces sudden death of President Arne Sorenson

Marriott International President and CEO Arne Sorenson has died suddenly just two weeks after the company announced he was temporarily reducing his schedule to facilitate his treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Arne, aged 62, was the third CEO in Marriott's history when he was appointed in 2012 and the first without the Marriott surname.

He is credited with putting the company on a strong growth trajectory that included the $13-billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

The company said he also steered Marriott to significant progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human trafficking awareness.

He revealed he was suffering from pancreatic cancer almost two years ago but only recently announced he was reducing his workload to accommodate his treatment.

"Arne was an exceptional executive - but more than that - he was an exceptional human being," said Chairman J.W. Marriott, Jr.

"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."

Since early February, two senior Marriott executives Stephanie Linnartz and Tony Capuano have been overseeing day-to-day operations. They will continue in this capacity until a new CEO is appointed, which Marriott said it expected to be within two weeks.

Tributes:

Abercrombie & Kent founder Geoffrey Kent: "My partner Manfredi and I were saddened to hear about the passing of our dear friend Arne Sorenson. We had the pleasure of working closely with him at the World Travel & Tourism Council where he made many important contributions. He travelled with Abercrombie & Kent and I especially remember his tremendous smile when he conquered Mount Kilimanjaro. We will miss his warmth, wonderful personality and friendship. And no doubt will continue to see his impact on the travel industry for many years to come."