William W. McCarten was the CEO of DiamondRock Hospitality Company from 2004 until he retired in 2008. His career in the hospitality industry spanned over 25 years at Marriott International, where he served in various roles, including as CEO of...

William W. McCarten was the CEO of DiamondRock Hospitality Company from 2004 until he retired in 2008. His career in the hospitality industry spanned over 25 years at Marriott International, where he served in various roles, including as CEO of HMSHost, a major player in restaurant services at travel venues. He is well-connected in the hotel industry, having developed strong relationships with owners, operators, and contractors. After his time at DiamondRock, he became the Chairman of the Board and continued to influence the company's direction. Interestingly, during his tenure as CEO, he saw his total compensation fluctuate significantly, with peak earnings over $2 million in some years. Notably, he had a strategic focus on aligning executive pay with the company's performance, which included bonuses tied to specific financial metrics. McCarten’s journey reflects a blend of operational expertise and financial acumen molded through his earlier work as an accountant for Arthur Andersen. His leadership at DiamondRock was shaped by his extensive experience, making him a notable figure in the real estate investment trust sector.