Stephanie Linnartz, a well-known figure in American business, has made a name for herself through significant contributions to the hospitality and athletic apparel sectors. Over a career spanning more than 25 years, she’s been instrumental in expanding brands, spearheading digital advancements, and shaping consumer-focused strategies on a global scale, earning her a reputation as a forward-thinking executive. Her professional journey includes a lengthy period at Marriott International, a brief but noteworthy tenure as Under Armour’s CEO, and continued involvement as a board director and advisor.
Early on, Linnartz was shaped by her surroundings. Born around 1970 in the Washington, D.C. area, she was raised in a hospitality-focused environment; her parents owned restaurants and a hotel. This early immersion ignited her interest in the field. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross in 1990, where she later joined the board of trustees. She earned her MBA from the College of William & Mary in 1997, a move that undoubtedly helped her career.
Her Journey at Marriott International
Linnartz started her career at Hilton Worldwide, working in operations and sales, before moving to Marriott International in 1997 as a financial analyst. Over the next twenty years, she steadily advanced through various roles in finance, revenue management, sales, marketing, and technology.
Some of her significant achievements include:
Serving as Global Chief Commercial Officer, where she was responsible for brand management, marketing, digital initiatives, sales, and revenue. Becoming Group President of Consumer Operations, Technology, and Emerging Businesses, and spearheading innovations such as the launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott International, a premium home rental service, along with expansions into yachts, tours, and branded merchandise.
In 2021, she made history by becoming the first woman to lead Marriott, overseeing global consumer strategy for a vast collection of over 30 brands and more than 8,700 properties across the globe.
During her time at the helm, Marriott Bonvoy, the company’s loyalty program, swelled to over 200 million members, solidifying its position as a key player in the travel sector. Linnartz played a crucial role in Marriott’s digital evolution and its rebound from the pandemic.
Her time as Under Armour’s CEO
In December 2022, following a widely publicized search, Linnartz departed Marriott to take the reins as President and CEO of Under Armour, starting in February 2023. She became the athletic brand’s third CEO, bringing her skills in brand development and loyalty programs to bear on revitalizing the company, which was facing sales difficulties.
During her year-plus at the helm, she rolled out “Protect This House 3,” a three-year plan designed to boost brand appeal, product design, women’s clothing, footwear, and global reach. She also reshaped much of the executive team, pushing for a more premium brand image.
But in March 2024, founder Kevin Plank reclaimed the CEO position, and Linnartz departed. Analysts pointed to the difficulties of reviving a founder-led company, with some interpreting it as a case of the “glass cliff,” where female leaders are often placed in precarious roles.
Current Positions and Impact
As of 2026, Linnartz is an independent director on The Home Depot’s board, the largest home improvement retailer globally. She serves on several nonprofit boards, including those of the College of the Holy Cross and The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. Her LinkedIn profile presents her as a “proven public company director, President & CEO, and global operating executive,” emphasizing her expertise in transformation and growth strategies.
Linnartz has garnered a number of honors, such as inclusion in Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list and Forbes’ CEO Next list, along with recognition as a leading woman in hospitality and marketing. A fitness and wellness enthusiast, she is also dedicated to mentorship, particularly for women in the business world, and remains active in advising and speaking engagements at international forums.
Stephanie Linnartz’s professional path showcases dynamic leadership, from her work in expanding Marriott’s loyalty programs to her efforts to revitalize Under Armour. Her experiences highlight both the possibilities and the challenges faced by women in senior corporate roles across the United States.
