hospitalitystyle.com

(October 2011) posted on Wed Oct 12, 2011 EDT

Marriott’s international groundbreaker and Hospitality Style board member moves on.

By Mary Scoviak

Join us and the entire hospitality industry in wishing Edwin Fuller the best as heads into the next chapter. Beyond being a wonderful member of Hospitality Style’s editorial advisory board, he was the mastermind behind Marriott’s rock-solid reputation outside the US. As president and managing director of International Lodging, Fuller led Marriott’s growth outside the continental United States from 16 hotels to more than 550 today in more than 70 countries. Approximately 175 additional hotels are currently under development outside the U.S. But Fuller wasn’t just another executive in a suit.What a lot of people didn’t know is that he brought his own perspective to the corner office. He is a passionate environmentalist and got owners on board with Marriott’s green agenda in ways that lasted through his commitment its eco-friendly initiatives.

In his 35+ years with the company, Fuller worked his way up from management trainee to president and managing director in 1997. He also published a top 20-selling business book, “You Can’t Lead with Your Feet on the Desk,” which was published in March 2011. The breadth of his experience enabled him to understand the big picture as well as the small print, from the perspective of a general manager or the guest.

After retiring March 31 of next year, Fuller will serve as an adjunct professor at the Paul Merage Graduate School of Business at the University of California Irvine and visiting professor at Boston University. He also plans to serve as President of Laguna Strategic Advisors LLC. He will continue his association with business and charity board.  He will be succeeded by Alex Kyriakidis, global managing partner, tourism, hospitality & leisure, Deloitte. Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s president and chief operating officer, said, “We will miss Ed’s insights and tremendous grasp of the industry as we continue the global growth for which he was a powerful advocate. We wish him continued great success as he travels the road ahead.”