USA 
United Kingdom
Marriott International’s leadership is seeking to reassure employees and stakeholders that its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains intact, despite changes in language following Trump administration directives, and it seems like they approve.
Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, addressed the issue publicly at the Great Place to Work For All Summit in Las Vegas, according to Fortune. He discussed how the global hospitality company is responding to executive orders signed by Donald Trump that target DEI initiatives across corporate America.
Speaking at the event, Capuano reflected on guidance from his mentor and former Marriott chairman Bill Marriott, emphasizing that the company’s core principles have endured for decades and will continue to do so.
“The winds blow, but there are some fundamental truths for those 98 years,” Capuano said. “We welcome all to our hotels and we create opportunities for all, and fundamentally those will never change. The words might change, but that’s who we are as a company.”
The comments came as many employers have struggled to define their approach to DEI following the Trump administration’s renewed focus on limiting such programs. After the president began his return to the White House in January 2025 with sweeping changes to DEI policy, companies across sectors reassessed both public messaging and internal practices.
Leadership response resonates with employees
Marriott was among a small group of major corporations that publicly reaffirmed their commitment to DEI during that period. Capuano met with the company’s senior leadership team to discuss the implications of the executive orders before attending the Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles, where questions about Marriott’s DEI direction were prominent.
His consistent messaging appeared to strike a chord internally. Capuano said the company received an outpouring of support from its workforce following his remarks.
“Within 24 hours, I had 40,000 emails from Marriott associates around the world, saying ‘thank you,’” he said, adding that many employees expressed appreciation for working at a company whose values align with their own.
That response shows the role leadership communication can play in reinforcing trust during periods of uncertainty, particularly when external pressures intersect with workplace culture.
Why HR still struggles to reach Deskless Employees
Frontline employees often have the greatest need for HR support—but the least access to it. The reason is simple: most HR systems were designed for desk-based employees.
If you're investing in HR digital transformation, it's essential to ensure that every employee—whether office-based, hybrid, or deskless—has equal access to HR services, information, and support.
This guide explores the key considerations for building a consistent, accessible, and connected HR service experience for your entire workforce.
You'll learn how to:
✅ Deliver consistent HR support across every location
✅ Reduce repetitive HR requests
✅ Improve self-service adoption
✅ Connect email, mobile, AI and employee portals
✅ Create a better employee experience for frontline workers
Workplace culture remains a differentiator
Marriott has long positioned its employment practices as a competitive advantage. The company ranked eighth on Fortune’s 2025 100 Best Companies to Work For list, with 90% of employees endorsing the organization. That figure sits well above the 57% average reported across the broader list.
The hospitality giant is also included among Fortune’s Best Companies that actively support DEI policies, alongside peers such as Delta and Cisco.
In the face of significant political pressure, it shows how organizations can adapt external messaging while maintaining internal consistency around values and culture, to maintain employee engagement and preserve organizational identity.
