Long-time executive Stephanie Linnartz decided to leave the company to become president and CEO of sportswear brand Under Armour.
Strategy leader
As president of Marriott since 2021, Linnartz has led all aspects of the company’s global consumer strategy, including brand, marketing, sales, revenue management, customer engagement, digital, information technology, emerging businesses, and loyalty.
She also oversees 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.
In addition, Linnartz has developed a team and spearheaded the company’s progress on issues including the intersection of technology and hospitality, the continued growth of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform, Marriott’s brand portfolio quality, and environmental sustainability.
Pivotal role
She began her Marriott career in 1997 and has worked in a number of capacities over the ensuing 25 years, from finance and business development to revenue management and sales and marketing. Linnartz played a pivotal role during Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, including overseeing the integration of various corporate functions and business-critical systems.
In 2019, under her leadership, the company combined the Marriott and Starwood loyalty programmes to create the world’s largest hospitality loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy. Linnartz serves on the board of directors of The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross, where she is a member of the board of trustees, and she earned her master of business administration from the College of William and Mary.
Best experiences
Linnartz summed up: “It has been one of the most significant and best experiences of my life to build a career at Marriott. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I had to play a role in the company’s growth and industry leadership. I am thankful for the support and friendship of Mr Marriott, Arne Sorenson, David Marriott, and Tony Capuano through the years. While I may not be walking the halls of Marriott every day, I will still be a Marriott Bonvoy member and a loyalist to our incredible portfolio of brands.
“I also want to thank Under Armour executive chair and brand chief, Kevin Plank, for this dream opportunity. I am thrilled to be joining an iconic brand I have long admired. I can’t wait to get in and work alongside Kevin and the team to write the next chapter of this exciting story.”
‘Incredible executive’
Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International, commented: “On the one hand, I am excited for this next chapter in Stephanie’s career. On the other, I am saddened by the departure of such an incredible executive. Beyond the collaborative relationship that Stephanie and I enjoy in our roles, we are good friends, having rooted for each other for more than two decades as we grew in our careers at Marriott and in our lives outside the company.
“I admire so much about Stephanie – she has this great combination of grit, grace, and humanity – qualities that make her an exceptional leader. To say she will be missed is an understatement – but she will always be part of our Marriott family.”
