Marriott announces death of CEO Arne Sorenson from pancreatic cancer

Marriott on Tuesday announced that its CEO, Arne Sorenson, had died unexpectedly on Monday from pancreatic cancer. He was 62.

Sorenson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019 and began cutting down his schedule at the beginning of February due to “more demanding treatment for pancreatic cancer.”

“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,” said J.W. Marriott Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the board.

Sorenson was the third CEO of Marriott and oversaw a $13 billion deal for the company to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

“Known for his leadership on difficult national and global issues, Mr. Sorenson steered Marriott to make significant progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human trafficking awareness,” the announcement said.

Stephanie Linnartz, Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, and Tony Capuano, Group President, Global Development, Design and Operations Services, were selected at the beginning of February to help run Sorenson’s position when he had to step back for treatment.

Marriott is expected to select a new CEO within the next two weeks.

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