Marriott announces passing of CEO Arne Sorenson
Marriott has announced that its CEO Arne Sorenson has passed away. The hotel chain said that Sorenson passed away on Feb. 15, 2021.
The announcement comes just two weeks after the hotel chain said that Sorenson would be stepping back from his role in order to undergo more demanding treatment.
Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more industry news!
"Arne was an exceptional executive – but more than that – he was an exceptional human being," said executive chairman and chairman of the board 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."
Sorenson was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer in 2019.
Sorenson has been the CEO of Marriott since 2012 and is the only person outside of the Marriott family to lead the company. He oversaw the acquisition and merger of Starwood to create the combined Marriott, the world's largest hotel chain.
Since the announcement two weeks ago that Sorenson would step back from his role, Marriott appointed two long-time executives to fill his role. Group president of consumer operations, technology and emerging businesses Stephanie Linnartz will oversee Marriott's international lodging division as well as legal, human resources and communications and public affairs. Group president of global development, design and operations services Tony Capuano will oversee the company's U.S. and Canada lodging division and finance in Sorenson's absence.
Linnartz and Capuano will continue in these temporary roles. Marriott expects to appoint a new CEO within two weeks.
TPG sends our condolences to the Sorenson's family and the larger Marriott team.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app