Marriott President and CEO Arne Sorenson Temporarily Step Backs from Duties for Cancer Treatment

Marriott International President and CEO Arne Sorenson will be temporarily reducing his schedule as he undergoes more demanding cancer treatment, the company announced on Tuesday. 

In May 2019, Sorenson revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer and was beginning treatment.

Sorenson, who will remain Marriott’s president and CEO, is expected to step back from full-time oversight of the company for several months. During this time, he will stay involved in directing the company “to the extent practical” and will remain a member of the board of directors.

“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.”

Two veteran Marriott executives have been tapped to share the responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Marriott’s business units and corporate functions during this period, in addition to maintaining their current responsibilities.

Stephanie Linnartz, Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, will oversee the company’s International lodging division, as well as Legal, Human Resources and Communications & Public Affairs. Tony Capuano, Group President, Global Development, Design and Operations Services, will oversee the company’s U.S. and Canada lodging division and Finance. Linnartz, and Capuano are long-time members of the Marriott leadership team, having joined the company in 1997 and 1995, respectively.

“I know Stephanie and Tony will work with Marriott’s strong executive team to continue to move the company forward. 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.”