Berquist steps down as Marriott chief financial officer

Carl Berquist, Marriott’s executive vice president and chief financial officer for the past seven years, will retire from his roles on December 31st.

He will remain with the company as a special adviser through March 2016.

Leeny Kelly Oberg, a 16-year Marriott veteran, and currently chief financial officer for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will become Marriott’s chief financial officer on January 1st, 2016.

Berquist’s leadership has been instrumental in the company’s significant global growth, culminating with Marriott’s announced plans in November to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in a merger transaction.

After a 28-year career at Arthur Andersen LLP, where he led the firm’s accounting work on behalf of Marriott, in 2002 Berquist joined Marriott as executive vice president and chief accounting officer.

Quickly moving into the role of executive vice president, financial information and risk management, Berquist was appointed chief financial officer in 2009.

He created a model for the global finance team that provided flexibility and support for the company’s operating regions while ensuring appropriate enterprise controls.

During his tenure Marriott acquired Gaylord Hotels, Protea Hotels and Delta Hotels and Resorts.

Berquist also led the spin-off of Marriott’s timeshare business in 2011, as well as a transaction with Accenture Hospitality Services involving back-office functions in 2013.

Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s president and chief executive officer, said: “While Carl’s outstanding record speaks for itself, I cannot emphasize enough the contributions that he has made as a great leader and highly-valued colleague at Marriott.

“His dedication and loyalty have been instrumental to our success.

“We will greatly miss his wise counsel and partnership.”