Marriott International president and chief operating officer Arne Sorenson has been named as the hotel group's new chief executive officer, with effect from 31 March 2012.

Sorenson becomes the third chief executive officer in the group's history and succeeds Bill Marriott, who has been elected executive chair and chair of the board from the same date.

The new leadership appointments, which also included Robert McCarthy as chief operating office, come ahead of Marriott International's 85th anniversary next year.

Marriott said: "As we approach the 85th birthday of our company in 2012 and I proudly celebrate my 60th year of service, I decided to recommend to the board that Arne Sorenson take over the CEO responsibilities.

"Arne knows the business, lives our core values, and has earned the respect and admiration of all of our company's major stakeholders. As Arne takes over the day-to-day reins of the company, he does so with my utmost confidence."

Sorenson added: "With deeply embedded core values that have enabled us to succeed for 85 years, I am looking forward to an exciting road ahead for Marriott International."

Details: www.marriott.com