What began as a Washington D.C.-based A&W Root Beer stand in 1927 eventually grew to be the Hot Shoppe Restaurants, and by the mid-1950s, a hotel business known as Marriott. The company–based in Maryland since 1955, proved to be an innovator early on–opening the world’s first motor hotel in 1957. Ever since, Marriott has continued to break the mold and strategically expand.

From the 1960s through 2011, the company continued launching new brands, including AC Hotels, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites; and acquiring existing brands including ExecuStay and Residence Inn.

Arne Sorenson, the company’s third CEO and first without the Marriott surname, took the reins in 2012. Under Sorenson’s leadership, Marriott’s innovation and growth-focused legacy is evolving.

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