Thank You, Arne

Today is a devastating day for anyone who has, in Mr. Sorenson’s words, ever “worn the Marriott name badge.” Having worn one with pride for more than 10 years of my career, learning of Arne’s passing today after a 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer, was the hardest thing I’ve had to hear during my time with Marriott. Far and away worse than hearing my position was eliminated last year, even though at the time it was the most difficult news I’ve ever had to hear as a professional. As hard as that was, I never lost hope in the possibility of a return to the company. And more importantly, I never lost my pride and admiration for the company. And specifically, not only did I not lose my respect, admiration and reverence for Arne himself, but those things only grew stronger during those trying months of 2020.

Arne’s ability to guide the organization through its darkest period in its 93 year history with transparency, grace and humility, was remarkable in itself. Making unenviable decisions that I am sure were not only challenging for him but downright tormented him as he balanced the needs of the organization with those of its employees, guests and other stakeholders, knowing there were going to be unpopular decisions and second guessing. How he steered that ship is commendable in itself. But knowing he was doing that as he battled a deadly disease and undergoing intensive chemo treatment at the same time, made my respect and admiration for him even more profound.

Two weeks ago Arne announced he’d be, for the first time since his diagnosis in May 2019, stepping back from his duties as CEO to focus on this next phase of treatments, not only for his own health and well-being, but in the best interest of the company. Once again, walking that tightrope with a delicate balance to do the right thing for himself and the company. And I’ll be honest, there was a small part of me that acknowledged that day, that perhaps he may never return as CEO. But I was comforted in knowing that he’d be able to spend his remaining time (even if only a few months but hopefully longer) focusing on himself and surrounded by family and spending time with those he loved. I never would have imagined this would be “weeks” not months.

When you hear that someone like Arne gets diagnosed with this type of cancer, you know the odds are stacked against him. But perhaps, because as CEO of the world’s largest hotel company, he’s better equipped to beat the odds? But why? Well, because he beat the odds to become CEO of a company like that, and in his case, the first non Marriott family member to do it. Those odds seem impossible to overcome so why wouldn’t he be able to overcome these? Obviously not the case and you know that rationally. But part of you says well if anyone can it’s him.

The truth is, none of us are any more prone to beating odds when it comes to cancer or death in general than anyone else is. It’s non discriminating. So as life often does, this news today serves as another reminder that life is short. No matter how much we tell ourselves that it is, and we commit to living differently, we don’t. We put off happiness today thinking it’s waiting for us tomorrow. But tomorrow shouldn’t wait for that. Today, you deserve to be happy. Today should be spent with those you love and with the people you care most about.

Thank you, Arne, for your leadership, authenticity and genuine Marriott “spirit to serve” attitude over these last dozen years or so I’ve been privileged to wear that name badge right alongside you. You will be missed but never forgotten.