Mitt Romney has this week rejoined the board of hotel giant Marriott International, following his failed bid for the White House which came to an end with last month's US elections.

It will be the third time he joins the board of the Maryland-based international lodging company, which reported revenues of US$12bn (9.2bn euro, £7.5bn) for the 2011 financial year.

The company operates hotels and resorts under 18 brands with more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries and territories.

Marriott president and chief executive Arne Sorenson describes Romney as an 'astute, independent director' fluent in the demands and opportunities of the industry.

Romney had previously served on the board from 1993 to 2002 but left to become governor of Massachusetts.

He returned in January 2009 but left two years later to again pursue political ambitions, this time to become the Republican nominee for the US-presidency.

Romney has previously served as the founder and vice president of Bain Capital and was chief executive of the Salt Lake City organising committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics.