First in the Lodging Industry and Top Honors on Specialty Lists
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) was ranked fourth among The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity up from #11 in 2008 and #46 in 2007. Marriott also ranked among the Top 10 Companies on three specialty lists -- Supplier Diversity, Executive Women and African-Americans.
"From the deep and public commitment of Chairman and CEO J.W. (Bill) Marriott Jr. to the longstanding culturally-competent customer service and its remarkable community-building supplier diversity and hotel-franchise program, Marriott is a textbook example of a great company for diversity. Their improvement this year, in the face of tough economic times, is even more proof of that," said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc publication.
The hospitality industry in recent years has made diversity an increasing priority, and Marriott International, the highest-ranked hospitality company, faced competition from 14 other companies in this industry, including three others that earned spots on the 2009 DiversityInc Top 50 list.
"We are broadening how we think about global diversity and inclusion, reaching across cultural borders to compete for customers and talent worldwide," said Bill Marriott. "In this competitive marketplace, we must continue to embrace the unique talents and experiences of our employees -- who speak more than 50 languages in 66 countries and territories -- to help us meet the changing needs of our customers."
Marriott was recognized for its senior-level commitment, culturally competent customer service and the success of its hotel ownership and supplier diversity programs targeted towards women and diverse groups. Marriott pledged in 2005 to spend $1 billion with diverse suppliers and to have 500 hotels owned, managed or in the pipeline by women and diverse groups. Earlier this year, Marriott reported it nearly doubled its supplier diversity goal with $1.9 billion spent over the last five years and recently announced 440 diverse-owned hotels are open. In addition, the profile highlights a globally diverse workforce, work/life benefits, ongoing training around diversity and inclusion.
Marriott attributes its success on its "spirit to serve" culture and emphasis on taking care of the employees -- a mantra that began with the company's founders, Alice S. and J. Willard Marriott, more than 80 years ago.
"Our business is all about people and our culture is a source of strength that is difficult to replicate," said Jimmie Paschall, Marriott's senior vice president, external affairs and global diversity officer. "We strive to create an inclusive environment where the talents and unique ideas of 300,000 employees at our managed and franchised properties worldwide can flourish. When our employees feel respected and valued, we know that they'll make our guests, suppliers, owners and franchisees feel the same way too. This is more than a philosophy -- it's a strategy that works."
