JW Marriott, Jr, Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, today received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th annual International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Germany. 

The IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a business leader who, over his or her lifetime, has made a significant difference in the hospitality industry.

"I want to thank the delegates of the International Hotel Investment Forum for honoring me with their Lifetime Achievement Award," said Mr. Marriott.

"What started as a nine-stool root beer stand my parents opened in Washington, D.C. more than 80 years ago, has evolved into a global hospitality company with more than 3,400 hotels and resorts in nearly 70 countries. We continue to grow around the world and just yesterday we announced that we will be doubling our portfolio in Europe by 2015. 

At Marriott, we say, "Success is never final," and I believe that.  But I am also gratified that during my career I've been able to help build something of real value – with an authentic, caring culture – that provides thousands of people around the world with opportunity."