Marriott Taps Sander Looijen to Spearhead Major Vietnam Expansion

Marriott International has appointed Sander Looijen as its new Market Vice President for Vietnam, effective June 22, 2026, signaling a continued focus on one of its most rapidly expanding global markets.

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Looijen will oversee Marriott’s current Vietnamese portfolio, which comprises 32 hotels and resorts with more than 9,900 rooms across 11 brands. He is also tasked with driving the company’s significant development pipeline, which includes over 50 projects nationwide.

A hospitality veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr. Looijen transitions from his role as Marriott’s Area General Manager for Bali (Premium & Select Properties). In that position, he managed a portfolio of 22 hotels and resorts and supervised the opening of eight new properties.

His career with Marriott began in 2001 as a management trainee after graduating from the Hotel Management School Maastricht in the Netherlands. He has since held numerous leadership roles, including Director of Restaurants and Bars for Asia Pacific, general manager positions in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, and Area Director of Operations for South Korea. In 2017, while leading the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, he was recognized with Marriott’s Asia Pacific General Manager of the Year award.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Looijen said Vietnam offers significant opportunities for growth. “It is a great honor to have been appointed Market Vice President for Vietnam. This is a wonderfully diverse and vibrant region, with many exceptional hotels and an exciting pipeline that will see the debut of new landmark hotels and iconic brands,” he stated. “I look forward to working alongside our talented teams, owners, and partners to deliver unforgettable guest experiences and elevate the performance of our properties.”

The appointment underscores Vietnam's growing importance in Marriott International's Southeast Asia strategy. The country is currently home to 32 of the group's properties, with more than 50 additional projects under development.