Marriott International President and CEO Arne Sorenson is to step back from full-time leadership of the group to undergo more demanding cancer treatment.

Sorenson, 62, began treatment for pancreatic cancer in May 2019 and has continued to work, but said he would now be taking a less active role for several months.

A statement said he will remain Marriott’s president and CEO and will stay involved in directing the company “to the extent practical” and will remain a member of the Board of Directors.

In consultation with the Board, two veteran Marriott executives will share the responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s business units and corporate functions, in addition to maintaining their current responsibilities.

Stephanie Linnartz, Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses, will oversee the company’s international lodging division, as well as legal, human resources, communications and public affairs.

Tony Capuano, Group President, Global Development, Design and Operations Services, will oversee the company’s U.S. and Canada lodging division and finance.

“Since my diagnosis, I’ve been working with a great medical team at Johns Hopkins to treat this cancer,” said Sorenson.

“While I have worked throughout my treatment to date and plan to remain as engaged in the business as my health allows, the right thing to do for me, my family and the company is to focus on my health.

“I know Stephanie and Tony will work with Marriott’s strong executive team to continue to move the company forward. I, along with my family and my medical team, remain optimistic about my prognosis and I plan to return full-time after the conclusion of my treatments.”

J.W. Marriott, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, added: “Arne has the full support of the board and the executive team as he takes this time to focus on his health, and our prayers are with him for a speedy recovery.”