Marriott International has been in the news a lot lately. Its CEO, Arne Sorenson, was part of a U.S. presidential delegation on a historic trip to Cuba. And of course there is its revised, US$13.6 billion offer for Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
In February 1983, Marriott was a newly minted billion-dollar business that had just celebrated its 25th anniversary and the opening of its 100th hotel. Hotels & Restaurants International’s story noted a high-profile opening of a luxury hotel in Egypt and featured a picture of the company’s president, a young Bill Marriott.
The hotel chain, which has grown into a US$22.2 billion company, and its leadership has been featured regularly in the magazine since, and it’s clear that the trajectory of growth and success is as much a story about the man whose family name is on the doors of thousands of hotels around the world.
In an industry filled with icons, only a few can become legends: And in April 2015, Bill Marriott was HOTELS’ first “Legend,” named for his endless passion spanning a 60-year career that makes him arguably the most prominent figure in the history of the business.
HOTELS next issue, coming in April, will feature another industry icon whose impact on the business can’t be understated. Stay tuned!
#ThrowbackThursday is an ongoing feature to celebrate HOTELS’ 50th anniversary. Do you have a #TBT for us? Email Managing Editor Barbara Bohn at bbohn@hotelsmag.com