Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson dies at 62 from cancer

Arne Sorenson, Marriott International chief executive officer, died
after fighting pancreatic cancer on Monday, the hotel giant said on Tuesday, according to AFP. The 62-year-old CEO stepped away from his role in management earlier
this month due to his ailment. Sorenson was only the third CEO in Marriott’s
history and the first one not belonging to the Marriott family.

“Arne was an exceptional executive — but more than that — he was
an exceptional human being,” said JW Marriott Jr, executive chairman.

Also Read | Swiss hotels, restaurants are at risk of bankruptcy: Reports

Sorenson steered the hotel giant “to make significant progress on
diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human
trafficking awareness,” according to the company.

“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.”

Also Read | Recalling the ‘gray period’ post father’s demise, Priyanka Chopra shares how she deals with grief

Consumer operations chief Stephanie Linnartz and global development head
Tony Capuano, who filled in the management role in Sorenson’s absence, will
continue in that capacity until a new CEO is appointed.

The company expects to give the position to someone new within two
weeks.