Arne Sorenson (seated center), and his wife Ruth Sorenson (seated left) with Washington, D.C., area Marriott International General Managers – seated right - Bob Kharazmi - Global Officer, Operations, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC; standing left to right - Raj Khubchandani - General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner; Matt Felix – General Manager, Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel; Crystal Christmas – General Manager, Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport; Bill Walsh – General Manager, Washington Marriott Wardman Park and Washington D.C. Business Council Chair and Meade Atkeson - General Manager, W Hotel, Washington, D.C., during the Washington Business Journal CEO of the Year event. — Photo by Marriott

Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), has been named 2016 Washington Business Journal CEO of the Year. According to the Washington Business Journal, this award recognizes high performing CEOs who have demonstrated vital leadership and business savvy to guide their organizations to success. The news organization noted that Mr. Sorenson was selected for his strong record of innovation at Marriott, commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and contributions to the Greater Washington, D.C., community.

"I am humbled by this honor and grateful for the encouragement to keep creating incredible experiences for our guests," said Mr. Sorenson. "My inspiration comes from my mentor, Bill Marriott, and the tremendous work that our 650,000 associates around the world do every day. This recognition is a reflection of their loyalty and dedication to serving our customers every day."

Mr. Sorenson joined Marriott in 1996. He became the third CEO in the company's history in 2012 – and the first without the Marriott surname. Prior to that, he served as Marriott's President and Chief Operating Officer. He has held a number of positions, including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and President of Continental European Lodging. He was elected to Marriott's Board of Directors in 2011.

The Washington Business Journal focuses on breaking business news and updates throughout the Washington D.C. metro area. In the past, the news outlet has recognized leaders, including Reggie Aggarwal of Cvent and Knox Singleton of Inova Health Systems for its CEO of the Year honor.

Mr. Sorenson receives this recognition just a few months after Marriott completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Marriott now operates or franchises more than 6,000 properties in over 120 countries and territories.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Felicia McLemore
Marriott
301.380.2702
Marriott