Marriott's Women Executives Help Lead the Way

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) was recognized by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) as one of the Top 50 Companies For Women in 2012.  Marriott was ranked in the top 15 on this list, which recognizes organizations whose policies and practices encourage the advancement of women. 

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Today, women hold many powerful jobs at Marriott, ranging from president of a major operating division to global leader of sales and revenue management to general managers of some of the company's most profitable hotels.  In addition, two of Marriott's ten board members are women.

Carol Evans, president of Working Mother Media and CEO, NAFE, says, "The NAFE Top 50 Companies are major employers that are committed to hiring, retaining and promoting executive women. They represent a cross-section of companies that go way beyond lip service in helping women succeed.  Almost seven out of 10 companies require their managers to receive training on how to hire, advance or manage women. Manager accountability is the main ingredient for success."

Marriott is being recognized for its Global Diversity and Inclusion Council, which ensures women's development and advancement in revenue-generating and global leadership roles, and the Women's Leadership Development Initiative, which focuses on three pillars:  Leadership and Development, Networking and Mentoring, and Workforce Effectiveness. 

Last year, Marriott senior leaders across the country held "Evenings of Engagement."  The objective of these events is for senior leaders to have meaningful interactions with managers to discuss their aspirations and share insight on methods to achieve career goals. In 2010, nearly 900 associates participated (62 percent women) in 34 events, and they continued to take place in 2011.

Marriott continues to enhance training options and promote a world of opportunities available to all associates. Last year, the company launched the redesigned career website Destination Marriott, inviting job seekers to find the "career journey that is right for you."

For a summary of Marriott awards and recognition, including Marriott's ranking on Working Mother's Hall of Fame, visit Awards and Recognition.

Methodology:  The 2012 NAFE Top 50 Companies application includes more than 250 questions on topics including female representation, hiring, attrition and promotion rates, access and usage of key retention and advancement programs. The application draws particular attention to the number of women at the highest ranks and those with profit-and-loss responsibility. To be considered, companies must have a minimum of two women on their board of directors as well as at least 500 employees in the U.S.

About NAFE
The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), founded in 1972 serves 20,000 members nationwide with networking, tools and solutions to strengthen and grow their careers and businesses. Working Mother magazine publishes the annual Top Companies and the Women of Excellence lists.  NAFE.com provides up-to-date information, community for women in business and access to member benefits. NAFE is a division of Working Mother Media, owned by the Bonnier Corporation. 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of NAFE.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.