Newsmaker: Marriott Names CFO Sorenson President, COO

Marriott International chief financial officer Arne Sorenson on May 1 will take over as president and chief operating officer, part of a top-level executive shuffling announced by Marriott this month. Current president and COO William Shaw will move to the position of vice chairman. Both will report to CEO J.W. Marriott Jr.

Sorenson joined Marriott in 1996, led the acquisition of the Renaissance Hotels and Resorts brand in 1997 and assumed the CFO position in 1998. He also was Marriott's president of continental European lodging, and his new role will give him global scope in overseeing Marriott's performance and growth.

Shaw's new position gives him oversight of the company's global finance, owner and franchise services areas, architecture, construction and information resources.

Carl Berquist, executive vice president of financial information and risk management, will succeed Sorenson as the company's CFO. He also will continue in his role as the company's principal accounting officer.