Lodging Conference celebrates legacy of Marriott's Sorenson

PHOENIX—Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International at the time of his death in February, was celebrated as the recipient of the 2021 Above and Beyond Lifetime Achievement Award during this week’s Lodging Conference. The event is being held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.

Sorenson’s wife, Ruth, accepted the award, which recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding, lifelong contributions to the hospitality industry.

Arne Sorenson

“Arnie Sorenson was an industry icon. He went beyond the industry; he was, in many ways, a worldwide phenomenon,” said Harry Javer, producer and founder of The Lodging Conference. “And he loved the hotel industry. Arnie was devoted—his service, his whole life. He gave to his community. He gave to his family and he gave his voice to those who needed a voice.”

Liam Brown, Marriott’s group president, United States and Canada, shared several stories of Sorenson’s dedication to others during the ceremony. He pointed out Sorenson’s ability to inspire followership as one of his great gifts.

“I know many of you in this room were very fortunate to spend time with him and you saw firsthand the love that he had for his hospitality business and the Marriott culture and the culture of our great hospitality business because he was energized by interacting with people from all around the world,” he said. “His curiosity helped him to anticipate where the hospitality business was headed, and it made him a better leader for us and for our industry. He has really, truly left behind a lasting legacy, not just at Marriott, but on the entire industry. And he was just a remarkable man.”

Ruth Sorenson thanked the crowd for the industry’s support since her husband’s death at age 62 after being treated for pancreatic cancer.

“I imagine Arne would have been especially pleased to have been given this particular award because it is from an industry that he respected and loved so much,” she said. “He believed deeply in the commitment to extend hospitality to all. Over the past months since his death, one of the most meaningful gifts we have received are stories about Arne. I have been so moved by the outpouring of cards and letters and stories shared by the remarkable Marriott community, and it has been a gift to be a part of this community.”

Sorenson joined Marriott in 1996 and held a number of positions before serving as president and chief operating officer. He was elected to Marriott’s board of directors in 2011. In 2012, he became the third CEO in Marriott’s history and the first person to hold the post without the Marriott family name.