Marriott International has named Anthony ‘Tony’ Capuano as its new chief executive and Stephanie Linnartz as president.

The appointments follow the death of Marriott president and chief executive Arne Sorenson, who passed away on February 15 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Capuano (pictured) was previously group president of global development, design and operations services, where he grew the company’s footprint from just over 3,200 properties in early 2009 to over 7,600 properties by year-end 2020. 

Capuano also oversaw 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 the US. 

“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. 

“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.

“Together with Stephanie in the role of president, and the rest of our exceptional leadership team, Marriott could not be in better hands.”

Capuano added: “I am honoured to be appointed to take the helm of Marriott, but it is a bittersweet moment.

“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.”

Linnartz, who was previously group president of consumer operations, technology and emerging businesses, will now be responsible for developing and executing all aspects of the company’s global consumer strategy. She will also oversee Marriott’s global development organisation.

“Every member of the leadership team feels a profound sense of loss at Arne’s passing. He was not just a friend and a leader for us, he was a guidepost for the hospitality industry,” Linnartz said. 

“The best way we can honor 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.”