Marriott International’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Anthony Capuano (pictured left) as chief executive officer effective immediately. He was previously group president, global development, design and operations services.
The Board also announced that Stephanie Linnartz, previously group president, consumer operations, technology and emerging businesses, has been appointed president, also effective immediately.
The appointments follow the unexpected passing of Marriott president and CEO Arne Sorenson on 15 February, 2021.
“Tony has played a critical role in Marriott’s growth over the last decade,” said J.W. ‘Bill’ Marriott, Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the Board, Marriott International.
“He will be a terrific leader as we continue to advance our growth strategy while also navigating the market dynamics of the Covid-19 pandemic…Tony has a deep appreciation for Marriott’s thousands of associates who ultimately deliver on our customer and brand promise and I know he will be a superb steward of our culture. Together with Stephanie in the role of president, and the rest of our exceptional leadership team, Marriott could not be in better hands.” He added.
“I am honoured to be appointed to take the helm of Marriott, but it is a bittersweet moment,” said Capuano. “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. Together, we will advance the strategy we have in place, which is laser-focused on recovery, expansion, providing opportunities for our associates, maintaining constructive relationships with our owners and franchisees, delivering safe and innovative experiences for our guests and customers, and building value for our shareholders.”
During Capuano’s tenure leading global development, the company grew its footprint from just over 3,200 properties in early 2009 to over 7,600 properties by year-end 2020. He has overseen the growth and globalisation of Marriott’s development pipeline to 498,000 rooms as of December 31, 2020, with more than half of the pipeline representing projects outside of the US.
Capuano has also led Marriott’s work on its Commitment to Clean initiative, designed to enhance Marriott’s cleaning protocols.
Stephanie Linnartz (pictured, right) will be responsible for developing and executing all aspects of the company’s global consumer strategy, including brand, marketing, sales, revenue management, customer engagement, digital, information technology, emerging businesses and loyalty strategies. In addition, she will oversee Marriott’s global development organisation, which is responsible for the strategic growth of the company’s 30 lodging brands, as well as the global design and operations services functions. Linnartz will also spearhead the company’s progress on issues including the intersection of technology and hospitality, the continued growth of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform and environmental sustainability.
Linnartz played a pivotal role during Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, overseeing the integration of business-critical systems including reservations, property management, revenue management and loyalty.
“Stephanie has a leadership track record and clear vision for how our core lodging business, travel platform initiatives and loyalty strategies can work together to accelerate growth,” said Bill Marriott.
“The best way we can honour Arne’s memory is to continue to move the company forward. It is my privilege to take on the role of president and to work with Tony and the rest of the executive team to ensure a seamless transition and to successfully execute our strategy,” Linnartz added.
