New Global Marketing Officer Joins Marriott International From Disney

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Karin Timpone has been named Marriott International, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:MAR) global marketing officer.  In her new role, Ms. Timpone will lead the company's integrated global marketing, bringing her 'next generation' skills to attract next generation travelers.  She will lead customer relationship strategy, portfolio marketing, media, digital and social as well as oversight and development of the award-winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program, which exceeds 44 million members.

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"We are excited to have Karin join our team and look forward to putting her creative ideas, marketing skills and mobile and digital expertise into action," said Stephanie Linnartz, executive vice president and chief marketing and commercial officer.  "As we continue to grow our portfolio of brands and expand into new markets, we must aggressively attract and retain the next wave of global travelers.  Engaging these customers presents new challenges and Karin will play a key role in taking our marketing to next level and building the business."

Ms. Timpone joins Marriott from The Walt Disney Company, where she served as senior vice president, product strategy and marketing for Disney ABC Digital Media.  While at Disney, she created a new digital media product strategy and marketing function for brands such as ABC.com, ABCNews.com, ABCFamily.com, Disney Channel.com and Oscar.com along with new product strategies to innovate across the media portfolio.

She also introduced key digital products such as the Emmy-award winning Oscar Backstage Pass and broke new ground with the introduction of the WATCH Disney Channel app bringing television viewing to mobile devices. This year, she led the marketing strategy and launch of WATCH ABC, the first broadcast network to offer live linear viewing on mobile.

Prior to Disney, Ms.Timpone was head of marketing at Yahoo!'s vast media portfolio including movies, TV, finance, sports and music and was also head of consumer / customer innovation.  Other leadership positions during her career included executive positions working on global business for Universal Studios and brand portfolio marketing at The Seagram Company, including the legendary Absolut Vodka brand.

Ms. Timpone graduated from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania where she earned a B.A. in Political Science.  She also received a Masters in Media Ecology at New York University.

About Marriott:  Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with nearly 3,900 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.