Marriott International has announced that Liam Brown will take on the role of president and managing director of Europe, a division within Marriott International that encompasses the United Kingdom, Ireland and continental Europe.
Brown will replace Amy McPherson, who announced last week that she will be retiring from the company in early 2019.
He is currently president, select brands and owner and franchise services, North America, for Marriott.
“Liam is the perfect choice to lead Marriott’s next chapter of growth in Europe,” said Arne Sorenson, president, Marriott International.
“Liam has an extraordinary ability to connect with people – associates, guests, owners and franchisees.
“His relationship-focused approach to doing business drives tremendous results, earning him fans across our company and within our community of owners.
“He’s a world-class executive, who has that terrific combination of property, operations and corporate experience that will serve him well as he takes on this important role.”
Over the past decade, Marriott has moved from the number ten position in total rooms distribution in Europe to number two today with over 570 hotels across 41 countries, and another 206 properties in its European pipeline.
The company has 23 of its brands represented in Europe.
A Dublin-native who has called the US home for nearly 30 years, Brown has served in his current role since 2013, overseeing all of Marriott’s franchising in North America, across all brands, as well as leading Managed by Marriott, which operates more than 425 select service hotels.
Brown and his wife, Lillian, will relocate to Marriott’s European office in London during the first quarter 2019.