Marriott CEO to step back from role during cancer treatment
Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson is temporarily reducing his schedule in order to undergo more demanding treatment for cancer.
The world's largest hotel chain announced on Tuesday that Sorenson will step back in his role from full-time oversight of the company for "several months." During the period when Sorenson steps back, he will "stay involved in directing the company to the extent practical and remain a member of the board of directors."
Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more industry news!
"Since my diagnosis, I've been working with a great medical team at Johns Hopkins to treat this cancer," Sorenson said in a statement. "While I have worked throughout my treatment to date and plan to remain as engaged in the business as my health allows, the right thing to do for me, my family and the company is to focus on my health."
Sorenson was first diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer in May 2019. At the time, Sorenson detailed that the cancer was discovered early and hadn't spread.
"I, along with my family and my medical team, remain optimistic about my prognosis and I plan to return full-time after the conclusion of my treatments," Sorenson said.
Sorenson has tapped two long-time Marriott executives to share the responsibilities of the day-to-day operations while he steps back. 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.
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.
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


