Marriott International has named Tony Capuano CEO and Stephanie Linnartz president, filling the vacancies left by the death of Arne Sorenson about a week ago.
Capuano moves up the lodging giant’s top job after serving as group president of global development, design and operations services. He will also have a seat on Marriott’s board of directors.
Linnartz was previously group president of consumer operations, technology and emerging businesses.
Sorenson, who died of pancreatic cancer just a few days after stepping back from day-to-day operations, served as both CEO and president as well as a director.
Marriott Executive Chairman Bill Marriot described Capuano in a statement as “a terrific leader.”
“He works thoughtfully and pragmatically with our owner and franchisee community and has been steadfast in ensuring Marriott delivers operational excellence and elevated customer experiences at our properties,” said Marriott, the son of founder J.W. Marriott and Sorenson’s predecessor as CEO. Marriott has announced that he intends to retire at the end of this year.
Capuano is only the second person from outside of the Marriott family to hold the CEO job, after Sorenson.
“It is a bittersweet moment,” Capuano said in the announcement of his promotion. “Arne was a mentor, a champion and a friend to each member of his close-knit leadership team. It is because of Arne’s efforts that we are prepared to move forward with this transition.”
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