In 2022, David Marriott became only the third chairman of the board of Marriott International, Inc. in its 97-year history, a role which was held by his father and grandfather before him. He carries the torch of Marriott’s core values and mission along with a deep understanding of the company’s history written by his father, Bill Marriott, the current chairman emeritus as well as his late grandparents, J. Willard and Alice Marriott, Marriott International’s founders. In his role, he chairs the world’s largest hospitality company with approximately 9,000 properties across 141 countries and territories, as well as more than 30 brands. Prior to joining the board, he served in a variety of operational, sales and leadership roles during his 25-year career with the company.

Recently, David visited Malaysia for the first time, touring hotels across the country and officiating the grand opening of the Penang Marriott Complex. The complex is the first in the country to house three Marriott Bonvoy brands under one roof: the five-star Penang Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments Penang, and Marriott Residences Penang.

Warm and down to earth in person, David lives up to his famous last name by exemplifying the hospitality that the brand is known for in the tourism sphere.

How do you think the Penang Marriott property sets itself apart from other properties on the island?

It’s the only triple-branded Marriott Complex like this in Malaysia, and I believe in all of Southeast Asia. It gives us a great presence, advances job creation, and will bring more tourism to Penang, which is really exciting. I spoke to my father Bill just before I came to Malaysia, and I was telling him that we were going to celebrate the 50th hotel opening here with this property. He just laughed and he said, “I remember when there were only two Marriott hotels in Malaysia in 2003.”

What’s your fondest memory of Marriott International?

My first job with Marriott was washing dishes at the age of 15 because my grandfather believed that we should all start in food and beverage, which I grew to love. I worked as an assistant sous chef for some time when I graduated from college before I got into the sales side of the business.

View more of the rooms in the new Penang Marriott Complex

What are some of the challenges you faced during your time with the company?

I remember when I was 31 years old and running global sales. I had three kids at home under the age of five and I remember feeling overwhelmed with my new responsibilities at work too. My boss at the time asked me, “What are your top two priorities in your job? If you are asked to do something that doesn’t fit under those priorities, even if it was your father, you have my support and permission to say no.” I learnt that you have to focus on critical priorities.

You were previously chair of the board of benefactors for the Guide Dog Foundation. What is the best lesson you learned from your time there?

My oldest brother, who passed away 10 years ago from a rare genetic disease, was blind in the last 10 years or so of his life. My grandfather and my parents were also big dog lovers, which they passed on to me. It drew me to do work for the foundation, where I was engaged in helping them raise money to breed and place guide dogs. This also goes along with one of Marriott’s core values, which is that ‘We Serve Our World’ to make a positive impact wherever we do business.

You’re known to be a mountain bike and running enthusiast. Where has been the best destination you’ve cycled or run at?

I believe that as a leader, you have to take care of yourself by being physically fit. Like my grandfather, who grew up taking his father’s sheep into the mountains, I love the outdoors. I remember when I was 11 years old, I loved walking with him on trails as he told me stories. I recently took my son cycling in Sedona, Arizona, through beautiful red rock and desert formations, which was challenging yet fun.

Do you still cook and if so, what is your best dish?

My wife is a really good cook but I do the grilling at home. I use a smoker at home to make smoked pork for 13 hours that just falls apart and is simply delicious.

What is always in your hand luggage?

My running shoes, because it’s a great way to see the city, and my earbuds because I love music.

Who is your favourite artist?

The Grateful Dead. My wife is also a huge Swiftie, which got me listening to her music too. I met Taylor Swift once, and she was a class act as you would expect. We were also blessed with a partnership with her to help Marriott Bonvoy members experience The Eras tour.

Marriott

Photography: Law Soo Phye