Industry leaders are paying their respects for Arne Sorenson, the Marriott International president and CEO who passed away unexpectedly on February 15. In May 2019, the company announced that Sorenson, 62, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On February 2, 2021, Sorenson said he would temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate more demanding treatment for his cancer.
Sorenson became the third CEO in Marriott’s history in 2012, and the first without the Marriott surname. Sorenson put the company on a strong growth trajectory that included the US$13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure as CEO, he was known as a tireless worker and he was instrumental in steering the company to make significant progress on diversity and equality.
When Sorenson stepped back from full-time management in early February, the company tapped two veteran Marriott executives, Stephanie Linnartz, group president, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, and Tony Capuano, group president, 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., 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.”
Chris Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton, also commented on the passing of Sorenson: “I am deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of Arne Sorenson’s passing. He was an incredibly respected man, a leader in hospitality, and a devoted husband, father and friend. It’s been a true honor to work alongside him on behalf of our great industry for so many years, and I will miss him and the friendship we’ve built. On behalf of everyone at Hilton, I want to extend my condolences to the Sorenson family, the thousands of Marriott associates around the world and the countless people whose lives he has positively impacted over the years.”
Hyatt Hotels Corp. CEO Mark Hoplamazian made a statement on LinkedIn: “Sharing my deep condolences with Arne Sorenson’s family on this sad day for the hospitality industry. Arne was a great partner, always a warm and gracious friend – and I will miss him dearly. The entire Hyatt family sends their heartfelt sympathy to all of our fellow hoteliers at Marriott.”
Sébastien Bazin of Accor sent comments: “I was extremely sad to hear of Arne’s passing earlier today. He was someone who I admired and respected on so many levels; a true leader and visionary. His business acumen was second to none, but beyond that he was a remarkably empathetic man who cared deeply about our industry and the people in it. Arne Sorenson was a rare individual who put his heart and soul into achieving his vision. I feel privileged to have shared many great moments with Arne and offer my deepest sympathies to his family and colleagues. Arne’s inspiring vision and competitive spirit were matched by the kindness of his heart. I will deeply miss his leadership, his wit, and the passion he brought to our industry.”