8-KLeadership ChangesCorporate ChangesRegulation FD+1

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC /MD/ 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Feb 14, 2022)

Filed February 14, 2022For Securities:MAR

Summary

Marriott International Inc. (MAR) announced significant changes to its Board of Directors and corporate governance documents in an 8-K filing on February 14, 2022. The company elected Isabella D. Goren to its Board, expanding its size to fourteen members and appointing her to the Audit Committee. Ms. Goren brings extensive financial expertise, having previously served as CFO of American Airlines. This strategic addition aims to bolster the board's oversight capabilities. Furthermore, the filing details a planned leadership transition at the Chairman level. J.W. Marriott, Jr. will step down as Chairman of the Board following the 2022 Annual Meeting and will assume the role of Chairman Emeritus. David S. Marriott is slated to succeed him as Chairman. Concurrently, Lead Director Lawrence W. Kellner will not seek re-election, with Frederick A. Henderson appointed as the new Lead Director. These transitions, alongside an amendment to the company's bylaws to modernize corporate governance practices, indicate a focus on ensuring robust leadership and adaptability.

Key Highlights

  • 1Isabella D. Goren elected to the Board of Directors and appointed to the Audit Committee, effective March 1, 2022.
  • 2Board size increased to fourteen members with Ms. Goren's appointment.
  • 3J.W. Marriott, Jr. to step down as Chairman of the Board and become Chairman Emeritus following the 2022 Annual Meeting.
  • 4David S. Marriott elected as the new Chairman of the Board, effective immediately following the 2022 Annual Meeting.
  • 5Lawrence W. Kellner will not stand for re-election as Lead Director; Frederick A. Henderson appointed as new Lead Director.
  • 6Board size will be reduced to twelve members upon the departure of J.W. Marriott, Jr. and Lawrence W. Kellner.
  • 7Marriott's Amended and Restated Bylaws were updated to align with Delaware law and modernize corporate governance procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Isabella D. Goren is a former Chief Financial Officer of American Airlines and has prior board experience with companies like Gap Inc. and LyondellBasell Industries. Her appointment to Marriott's Board and Audit Committee is intended to leverage her financial expertise to enhance board oversight and corporate governance.

J.W. Marriott, Jr., the current Chairman, will transition to the role of Chairman Emeritus after the 2022 Annual Meeting. David S. Marriott will succeed him as the new Chairman of the Board, effective immediately following the same meeting. This reflects a planned succession for the company's top board leadership.

The company amended its bylaws to modernize them in line with changes in Delaware General Corporation Law. This includes updates related to electronic document transmission, virtual meetings, flexibility in corporate actions like officer appointments and dividend declarations, and other administrative adjustments to improve governance efficiency.

The board size was temporarily increased to fourteen with Ms. Goren's appointment. However, upon the departure of J.W. Marriott, Jr. and Lawrence W. Kellner following the 2022 Annual Meeting, the board size will be reduced back to twelve members.