Marriott CEO diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer; will lead company during treatment

NEW YORK (AP) -- Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson has been diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer. The 60-year-old Sorenson will continue to lead the company while he undergoes treatment.

Sorenson said in a prepared release Friday that the cancer was found early and that he and his doctors are aiming for a complete cure. He will begin treatment next week, with surgery expected at the end of the year.

Sorenson joined Marriott in 1996 and became CEO in 2012, the first person to hold the company's top post without the Marriott family name. Sorenson led Marriott's acquisition of Starwood Hotels in 2016.

Marriott International Inc., based in The Bethesda, Maryland, owns 7,000 properties and operates 30 hotel brands around the world.