On Tuesday, Marriott International Inc. (MAR) announced that its CEO Arne Sorenson died one day prior. Sorenson became Marriott's first CEO outside the founding family in 2012. He continued to serve in his role despite a diagnosis of stage 2 pancreatic cancer in May 2019.
He transformed Marriott into the largest global hotel chain with the $13 billion acquisition of Starwood in 2016, extending the company's brand range with the likes of Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, and Courtyard — among others.
Moreover, he managed the hotel conglomerate throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, which has turned the entire industry on its head. He only just began temporarily scaling back his work at the beginning of this year to participate in a more demanding treatment regimen.
The two executives Linnartz and Capuano filled in during this time and will now continue in their role until the board will appoint a new Chief Executive.