Marriott International’s Board of Directors has announced Anthony Capuano has been appointed CEO and joined the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Prior to the appointment, Capuano was Marriott’s group president, global development, design and operations services. He’s spent 26 years at the company, having worked his way up from an initial start in the Market Planning and Feasibility team.

During Capuano’s tenure leading global development, the company grew its footprint from just over 3,200 properties in early 2009 to over 7,600 properties by the end of 2020. In addition, he oversaw the significant growth and globalisation of Marriott’s development pipeline to 498,000 rooms as of December 31, 2020.

The Board of Directors has also announced that Stephanie Linnartz, previously group president, consumer operations, technology and emerging businesses, has been appointed president, effective immediately.

Capuano’s and Linnartz’s appointments follow the unexpected passing of Marriott President and CEO Arne Sorenson on 15 February, 2021.

“Tony has played a critical role in Marriott’s growth over the last decade,” said J W Marriott, Jr, executive chair and chair of Marriott's Board.

“He’ll be a terrific leader as we continue to advance our growth strategy while also navigating the market dynamics of the pandemic. He works thoughtfully and pragmatically with our owner and franchisee community and has been steadfast in ensuring Marriott delivers operational excellence and elevated customer experiences at our properties.

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

In her new role as president, Linnartz will be responsible for developing and executing all aspects of the company’s global consumer strategy, including brand, marketing, sales, revenue management, customer engagement, digital, information technology, emerging businesses and loyalty strategies.

In addition, she’ll oversee Marriott’s global development organisation, which is responsible for the strategic growth of the company’s 30 lodging brands, as well as the global design and operations services functions.

She brings 24 years of experience at Marriott to the role and prior to the appointment, was responsible for brand, marketing, sales, revenue management, customer engagement, digital, information technology, emerging businesses and loyalty strategies.