J.W. Marriott, Jr. is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, Inc., one of the world's largest lodging companies.  His leadership spans more than 50 years, and he has taken Marriott from a family restaurant business to a global lodging company with approximately 3,000 properties in 68 countries and territories.

Known throughout the industry for his hands-on management style, Mr. Marriott has built a highly regarded culture that emphasizes the importance of Marriott's people and recognizes the value they bring to the organization. Today, approximately 151,000 Marriott associates serve guests throughout the world.

Regarded as a lodging innovator, Mr. Marriott began shifting the company's business model in the late 1970s from hotel ownership to property management and franchising.  His strategic decision allowed the company to accelerate its growth and broaden its leadership position.

Mr. Marriott has also worked to compile a family of 18 lodging brands that range from limited service to luxury hotels and resorts.  Today, the company manages and franchises hotels and resorts under the Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Bulgari, The Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites, and Fairfield Inn brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and Horizons brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; operates conference centers; and manages golf courses.

Mr. Marriott serves as a director of the United States Naval Academy Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Geographic Society, The J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation and the National Business Council.  He is a member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Chairman of the President's Export Council, a presidential advisory committee on export trade. Mr. Marriott is a member of the Secure Borders Open Doors Advisory Committee (SBODAC), and a former member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB).  In addition, he serves as Chairman of the Leadership Council of the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries.  Mr. Marriott also serves as a co-chair of the Capital Area Food Bank's Capital Campaign.