Arne Sorenson: How did this IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award winner got so far?
Arne Sorenson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, Inc and also the new IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award winner. How did he get this far? I have the answer.
First, he wasn't afraid to be some kind of an intruder: He was the first person in the nearly 90-year history of the company to lead Marriott who is not a member of the Marriott family. And, how did he do this? He offered the company something new: He created the company's Global Sustainability Council. This is key in any field, but specifically in the Hospitality field: Always create. Always offer something new.
Also, he persevered and was never afraid to stick to the company even on the extremely challenging economic times that we have faced and are currently facing today by acquiring Starwood Hotels to create the largest hotel company in the world. We can use this as an advice too. Never give up. Keep working hard. Never close any doors.
Arne Sorenson will be picking up the IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award on Monday 6th March 2017 in Berlin.