Fred Malek

Fred Malek, a major Republican fund-raiser and adviser to several presidents who also had a business career that included a stint as president of Marriott Hotels, died on Sunday in Virginia. He was 82. The American Action Network, a conservative advocacy group that Mr. Malek co-founded, announced the death. In addition to his work in the private sector, Fred Malek has had a distinguished career in public service. Mr. Malek served as Special Assistant to the President and then as Deputy Director of OMB from 1970 to 1974. Mr. Malek advised President Reagan as a member of the executive committee of the President’s Council on Cost Control, as a member of the President’s Commission on Private Sector Initiatives and as a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He served under President George H. W. Bush as Director of the 1988 Republican Convention and as Director of the 1990 Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations, holding the rank of Ambassador. During 1992, Mr. Malek had the privilege of serving as Campaign Manager for President George H. W. Bush. Previously in his business career, Mr. Malek was President and CEO of Marriott Hotels, President and CEO of Northwest Airlines, and Co-Chairman of CB Richard Ellis. He also serves on the Board of Directors of CB Richard Ellis and Dupont Fabros Technologies where he is lead director. In his earlier investment activities Mr. Malek led the acquisition of the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company with Marriott International as a major equity partner, was one of three leaders in the acquisition of Northwest Airlines, led the acquisition of CB Richard Ellis (formerly Coldwell Banker), and was a partner with former President George W. Bush in owning the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. While on rest and recuperation in Hawaii, he met Marlene McArthur, whom he married in 1962. She survives him, as do their daughter, Michelle DuPont Olson; their son, Frederick W. Malek; five grandchildren; a brother, David; and a sister, Marci Anderson.