For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Montgomery County Officials’ Statements Following the Passing of Marriott International President and CEO Arne Sorenson

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Tom Hucker and members of the Council and former County Executive Isiah Leggett made the following statements after learning today of the death of Marriott International President and CEO Arne Sorenson:

County Executive Elrich said: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Arne Sorenson, a pillar of strength in Montgomery County’s business community. As the face, spirit and soul of Marriott International, Arne led the corporation through years of growth, and more recently, through the COVID pandemic. Arne’s vision, drive for excellence and calm demeanor were admired by those within Marriott and the broader business community. The fighting spirit he displayed over the past few years as he battled pancreatic cancer was second to none.

“I will miss Arne Sorenson and his infectious personality. On behalf of the Montgomery County community, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and associates at Marriott International. Montgomery County is a better place to work due to the leadership he displayed at the helm of this international hospitality giant.”

Council President Hucker said: "All the members of the Montgomery County Council are deeply saddened by the passing of Arne Sorenson. Thanks to his tireless dedication, he spearheaded a decade of tremendous growth for one of the biggest companies founded and headquartered in our County. His business acumen was incomparable, but above all, Arne was a devoted and caring leader. Not only would he visit his associates around the country regularly, he also led Marriott International down a path of great corporate social responsibility, making significant progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and human trafficking awareness. We at the Council send our condolences to the Sorenson family and the employees of Marriott during this difficult time."

Former County Executive Leggett said: “Arnie was the consummate corporate leader who made an invaluable contribution to the business community, but was equally generous and supportive of so much of what we value in everyday life in Montgomery County. Through his leadership, Marriott was able to expand and grow its hospitality footprint around the globe, but he never forgot that Montgomery County was his, and the corporation’s, home. He will be sorely missed.”

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