Gov. W. Mitt Romney, the former Republican presidential candidate, has rejoined the board of directors of Marriott International, Inc. Romney begins his board term effective Dec. 3.

"We are delighted that Gov. Romney has agreed to rejoin our board, on which he has served with distinction twice before,” said J.W. Marriott, Jr., the company's executive chairman. “We will benefit from his tremendous energy and capability to guide long-term success in an increasingly complex business environment. We look forward to working closely with him again as a member of our strong, talented and diverse board."

Arne Sorenson, Marriott's president and chief executive officer, said Romney has proven to be an astute, independent director who is fluent in the demands and opportunities of our highly competitive industry. “We are fortunate to have him back on our board,” Sorenson said.

Romney said it was “an honor to once again be able to serve in the company of leaders like Bill Marriott and Arne Sorenson and to support the work of the tens of thousands of Marriott associates who make Marriott International the renowned success that it is." Romney served previously on the Marriott International board from 1993 to 2002, when he left the board en route to being elected governor of Massachusetts, and from January 2009 to January 2011, when he resigned prior to his campaign for the U.S. presidency.