The First Foreigner to Build the World's Largest Hotel Empire... Sorenson Marriott CEO Passes Away

Ernie Sorenson Marriott International CEO
Died of pancreatic cancer on the 15th (local time) at age 62

▲Ernie Sorenson, CEO of Marriott

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] Ernie Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International who grew Marriott into the world's largest hotel chain, passed away on the 15th (local time) at the age of 62.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 16th (local time), Marriott announced that CEO Sorenson died of pancreatic cancer the day before. Sorenson was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer in 2019 but continued to manage the company while undergoing chemotherapy. On February 2nd, he also announced a temporary reduction in company activities to focus on cancer treatment.

Sorenson was born in Japan in 1958 as the son of a Lutheran missionary. He later majored in theology and business administration at Luther College in Iowa, USA, and worked as a lawyer.

Sorenson first connected with the Marriott family in 1993 when his law firm represented Marriott in a lawsuit. Later, at the invitation of the Marriott board chairman, he joined Marriott in 1996, serving as vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) before becoming CEO.

In an interview during his lifetime, Sorenson mentioned that his religious background as the son of a missionary seemed to have helped form a bond with the Marriott family owners.

Appointed CEO of Marriott International in 2012, Sorenson was the first outsider to reach the top executive position since the Marriott family founded the company in 1927.

In 2016, he led Marriott to surpass its rival Hyatt by acquiring the Starwood hotel chain for $13.6 billion (approximately 15 trillion won), elevating Marriott to the status of the world's largest hotel chain.

CEO Sorenson was named 'CEO of the Year' in 2019 by the American business media Chief Executive and was also selected as the '2020 Leader of the Year' by the American employment research organization Great Place to Work (GPW) in 2020.

J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and honorary chairman of the Marriott Group board, expressed condolences, saying, "Sorenson was a special person beyond being an outstanding manager."

Marriott announced that Stephanie Linnartz, president of customer operations, and Tony Capuano, president of international development, will share Sorenson's responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Marriott owns over 30 hotel brands including Ritz-Carlton, W, Westin, and Sheraton, operating more than 7,500 hotels in 132 countries worldwide.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.