Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) has been recognized as one of the 2016 Top Companies for Executive Women by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), an organization which acknowledges American corporations for promoting women into top executive positions and creating a company culture that fosters the careers of talented women. Marriott ranks as one of the top ten companies on the list.
In 2013 Marriott created the Emerging Leader Program to increase the number of women and minorities into senior management positions and leadership opportunities. Since the beginning of the program, women have comprised more than 50% of those nominated, and also more than 50% of all promotions and job changes. Marriott continues to develop innovative programs aimed at helping the company’s associates reach their professional goals, including career mentoring and planning.
“We are pleased to be part of this prestigious list for the 17th year,” said David Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer. “Since Alice S. Marriott co-founded the company in 1927, the company has had a long-standing history of empowering women. We continue to create resources for all associates to develop their professional skills and strive toward their career aspirations.”
From the company’s headquarters to Marriott’s properties around the world, women are valued at Marriott International. Many are leading some of the most profitable hotels or making influential decisions that impact the company. Marriott currently has seven executive officers and four board members that are women. The company recently appointed its first female Chief Financial Officer, Leeny Oberg, who began her career at Marriott in 1999.
“I am happy to report that female representation in senior management positions continues to inch up at the NAFE Top Companies,” says Dr. Betty Spence, NAFE President. “Though progress of women into senior positions has slowed nationally, the 2016 NAFE Top Companies are leading the way in moving women in power positions where they have the influence to innovate and boost profits.”
Marriott has consistently championed diversity and inclusion. The company has been recognized for its talent development programs in the past and has landed on several “Best Places to Work” lists. Previous awards include LATINA Style Company of the Year, DiversityInc Top 50 Companies, 100 percent score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, and World’s Best Multinational Workplaces as named by Great Place to Work®. For more information on Marriott’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, please visit www.marriott.com/diversity. To see the full list of this year’s winners, visit workingmother.com or nafe.com.
About the Methodology
The 2016 NAFE Top Companies application includes some 200 questions on female representation at all levels, especially the corporate officer and profit-and-loss ranks. The vetting process includes tracking access and usage of programs and policies that promote the advancement of women as well as the training and accountability of managers in relation to the number of women who advance. In order to be eligible for the NAFE Top Companies survey, entrants must have a minimum of 1,000 employees, two women on the Board of Directors and be a public or private company. NAFE also separately names the Top 10 companies in the nonprofit sector.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,400 properties in 87 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of more than $14 billion in fiscal year 2015. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and Moxy Hotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together comprise nearly 55 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.
About National Association for Female Executives (NAFE)
The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), founded in 1972, serves 20,000 members nationwide with networking, tools and solutions to strengthen and grow their careers and businesses. Working Mother magazine publishes the annual NAFE Top Companies list. NAFE.com provides up-to-date information, community for women in business and access to member benefits. NAFE is a division of Working Mother Media, owned by the Bonnier Corporation.
Media Contacts:
Colleen Antonio, Marriott International, Colleen.Antonio@marriott.com, 301-380-9044
