What Marriott’s CEO Told Starwood Employees About the Impending Merger
Photo Caption: The W Amsterdam is one of the brand's newest properties. Facebook/W Hotels
Skift Take
Marriott's CEO Arne Sorenson addresses Starwood's fleet of employees by offering them assurance through transparency and a healthy dose of optimism for the future.
Marriott International announced Monday that is is buying rival hotel chain Starwood for $12.2 billion. The merger will make Marriott the largest hotelier in the world, and with that growth comes not just a bigger global footprint but a bigger staff, as Marriott will not just add 180,000 employees but try to seamlessly merge the culture of both companies.
In a letter to Starwood employees, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson discusses what it is about Starwood that attracted Marriott to the deal, citing a great loyalty program and excellent associates as top draws. Sorenson acknowledges that the deal will take time, and offers assurance through transparency, saying any questions Starwood employees may have w