Is David Marriott Being Groomed to Take Over for Daddy?

6/09/2008 at 2:53 PM
Tags: Hot Hotelier News, Bill Marriott, Marriott Hotels, David Marriott

Bill Marriott's baby boy, David Marriott, 34, was just named Regional Vice President of hotel operations in New York City, Baltimore and Philadelphia -- three of Marriott's key markets.

Is he being groomed to take over the family company? Maybe, says the Washington Post:

Although Bill Marriott, who recently turned 76, says he has no plans to retire soon, that hasn't stopped rampant speculation about his successor, especially because in the company's 81 years there have been only two chief executives, both with the last name Marriott. The topic is so sensitive that most people in the hotel industry will not talk publicly about it.

In his new position, David will be the go-to guy for hotel ops in those three cities, and he'll get to experiences all facets of the day-to-day operations of the properties.

Is he being groomed to be THE Marriott in charge when Bill Marriott eventually retires to become a full-time blogger? Time will tell.