Arne Sorenson

Arne Sorenson was a renowned American businessman who served as the president and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, a position he held from 2012 until his death in 2021. During his tenure, Sorenson oversaw the company's expansion, including the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry. Sorenson's leadership was marked by his commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as his efforts to promote sustainability and corporate social responsibility within the company. He was a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council and worked closely with industry leaders, including Richard Branson and Bill Marriott.

● Early Life and Education

Arne Sorenson was born in Tokyo, Japan, to a family of Lutheran missionaries, and spent his early years in Japan and Bangladesh. He attended Luther College in Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and later received his Juris Doctor degree from University of Minnesota Law School. Sorenson's educational background and early experiences shaped his perspective on the importance of globalization and cultural exchange, which would later influence his approach to leading a multinational corporation like Marriott International. He was also influenced by the work of Peter Drucker and Warren Buffett, and he often cited the importance of strategic management and leadership development in his own career.

● Career

Sorenson began his career as a lawyer at the Washington, D.C. office of Latham & Watkins, where he worked on various mergers and acquisitions and securities law cases, including the IPO of Marriott International. He later joined Marriott International as an associate general counsel and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company's Chief Financial Officer in 1998. During his tenure as CFO, Sorenson played a key role in the company's financial management and strategic planning, working closely with Bill Marriott and other senior executives, including J.W. Marriott Jr. and Deborah Marriott Harrison. He also worked with investment banks such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on various financing transactions.

● Leadership of Marriott International

As the president and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, Sorenson led the company's expansion efforts, including the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016, which created the largest hotel chain in the world. He also oversaw the company's efforts to enhance its digital presence and improve its customer experience, working with technology companies such as Amazon and Google. Sorenson was a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives within the company, and he worked to promote sustainability and corporate social responsibility throughout the organization. He was a member of the World Economic Forum and worked closely with other industry leaders, including Mary Barra and Sundar Pichai, to address global challenges such as climate change and inequality.

● Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Sorenson received numerous awards and recognition for his leadership and contributions to the hospitality industry. He was named one of the 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World by Harvard Business Review and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Sorenson was also recognized for his commitment to diversity and inclusion and sustainability, receiving awards from organizations such as the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers and the U.S. Green Building Council. He was a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award and was inducted into the U.S. Travel Association's Hall of Leaders.

● Personal Life

Sorenson was married to Ruth Sorenson and had four children. He was a Lutheran and was involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting the Lutheran World Relief and the Marriott Foundation. Sorenson was also an avid traveler and enjoyed exploring new destinations, often visiting Marriott International properties around the world. He was a fan of sports teams such as the Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals, and he often attended games at Nationals Park and Capital One Arena.

● Death and Legacy

Sorenson passed away on February 15, 2021, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the business community and the hospitality industry, with leaders such as Bill Marriott and Richard Branson praising his vision and leadership. Sorenson's legacy continues to shape the hospitality industry, and his commitment to diversity and inclusion and sustainability remains a core part of Marriott International's values. He will be remembered as a pioneering leader who transformed the company into a global powerhouse, working with partners such as Expedia Group and Booking Holdings to drive growth and innovation. Category:American businesspeople