This week, Marriott International’s new Chief Executive Officer, Arne Sorenson visited Brazil for the first time to immerse himself in the Brazilian market and greet nearly 1000 Marriott associates at four different properties: the JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro, Marriott Executive Apartments Sao Paulo, The Renaissance SaoPaulo Hotel, and Marriott Sao Paulo Airport Hotel.

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Sorenson visit our hotels and pleased that he chose Brazil as his first visit as the new CEO of Marriott International”, said Gil Zanchi, Country Manager of Brazil and General Manager of the Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel. “Brazil represents major growth potential for Marriott International”.

During his visit, Sorenson met with associates at the Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel who are also Youth Career Initiative Program graduates, a six-month education program for high school graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds designed to empower young people by providing them with necessary life and vocational skills. In collaboration with the International Tourism Partnership’s Youth Career Initiative, Marriott has placed more than 1,600 young people on paths toward more promising futures.

“Marriott associates have career-long access to corporate training programs and services to support their total well-being. The company’s commitment to professional development is evident in the fact that more than 3,000 current managers began their Marriott careers in entry-level positions”, said Sorenson. “Our associates are extremely important to our business and they are the heart of our company’s culture.  Their talent, experience and dedication to service make it possible for us to serve millions of customers around the world.”