Marriott International’s president & CEO, Arne Sorenson, has voiced his support to an initiative aimed at supporting the empowerment of women in the global business arena.
Speaking at the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), on a panel discussion entitled ‘Women Decision-Makers in the Global Economy’, Sorenson outlined his company’s commitment to supporting the advancement of women in the hotel industry.
“Our portfolio of hotels will benefit tremendously if women are able to achieve their full potential in the global economy,” said Sorenson.
“That’s why we are focused on advancing women in our company’s management and executive ranks, gaining their loyalty as customers, creating economic opportunity as hotel owners, and nurturing women-owned businesses through our supply chain. This is an important strategy for Marriott’s global growth and the vitality of communities where we do business.”
At the CGI event, Marriott joined more than a dozen corporations and non-governmental organisations in a five-year commitment to expand its engagement with women-owned businesses outside the US, especially in emerging economies. Working with WEConnect International and Vital Voices, two NGOs that support women, Marriott will be part of the pledge to train 15,000 women business owners and spend US$1.5 billion with their companies by 2018.
“We know our hotels are greenhouses for executive talent and can elevate women through leadership training, mentorships, and through our procurement with women-owned businesses around the world,” Sorenson added.
The company said it is now working to identify more women-owned businesses that can become part of Marriott’s supply chain.
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