Mr. Marriott was elected Executive Chairman effective March 31, 2012, having relinquished his position as Chief Executive Officer. He had served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its predecessors since 1972. He continues to serve as Chairman of the Board, a position he has held since 1985. He joined Marriott Corporation (formerly Hot Shoppes, Inc.) in 1956 and became President in 1964, Chief Executive Officer in 1972 and Chairman of the Board in 1985. He serves on the board of trustees of The J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation and is an honorary member of the World Travel & Tourism Council. He is the father of Deborah M. Harrison, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Marriott has been a director of the Company and its predecessors since 1964.

As a result of his service as Chief Executive Officer of the Company for 40 years, Mr. Marriott brings to the Board and our Executive Committee, which he chairs, extensive leadership experience with, and knowledge of, the Company’s business and strategy, as well as a historical perspective on the Company’s growth and operations. Mr. Marriott’s iconic status in the hospitality industry also provides a unique advantage to the Company.