Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson Passes Away
Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson passed away unexpectedly on Monday. Photo: Sam Aronov/Shutterstock.com.
Marriott International on Tuesday announced that Arne Sorenson, the company s longtime president and CEO, unexpectedly passed away on Feb. 15, 2021. He was 62 years old.
Earlier this month, Sorenson said he would temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate more demanding treatment for pancreatic cancer after being diagnosed in May 2019.
A Luther College and University of Minnesota Law School graduate, Sorenson became the head of Marriott on March 31, 2012. He was the first person outside of the Marriott family to lead the company.
Sorenson and J.W. Marriott, Jr.
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 said in a statement on Feb. 2. 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 was praised by the company as a visionary leader, under whose direction Marriott was able to make the $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The company s statement also praised his progress on issues like diversity, equality and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human trafficking awareness.
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) CEO Arne Sorenson passed away at the age of 62 following a bout with pancreatic cancer.
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