WASHINGTON (February 16, 2021) – The following is a joint statement sent to AHLA members from Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), and Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation and AHLA chair of the Board, on the death of Arne Sorenson. 

“Today, it is with deep sorrow the hotel community joins together to mourn the passing of a generational leader, Arne Sorenson. We offer our condolences to his family, team and everyone whose life he touched during his more than 30 years at Marriott. Arne was a visionary leader driven by passion for his people, the millions of associates around the world who worked for and with him and by a desire to spread a love for travel. He was an icon in our industry, dedicated to improving the lodging experience for the guests we serve and the people who serve them. 

“Through his transformative leadership, he not only guided Marriott through many prosperous years but also helped steer our industry through some of the toughest economic times from 9/11, the Great Recession and most recently the COVID pandemic. While Arne’s business accomplishments are apparent to all, his championing of social change made our entire industry better for everyone. Many will remember Arne as the first non-Marriott to serve as CEO of the iconic hotel brand, but Arne will be remembered most for his decency, generosity, and compassion.  

“Arne’s battle against cancer embodied the qualities that made him such an exceptional human being – endless optimism, perseverance, and servant leadership. His touch on the hospitality industry will be felt for generations. His impact on the lives of all of us who knew him personally is profound. The world is a better place because of Arne Sorenson. Everyone at AHLA feels a numbing loss today and our hearts go out to his immediate family and his extended family at Marriott. His legacy will live on in all of us.”