Carlson Unveils New Brand Structure, Management Promotions

MINNEAPOLIS, MN— Carlson Hotels Worldwide unveiled a new organizational structure that groups its full-service and limited-service hotel brands into new management units causing a shift in responsibilities for some of its executives. As a result, Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts will now be managed as Carlson Hotels Worldwide full-service hotels and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn will be managed as Carlson Hotels Worldwide limited-service hotels. The move creates a more simplified brand leadership and structure that provides enhanced brand support and services, said Jay Witzel, president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, in a prepared statement, adding that Regent International Hotels would continue to be managed using all of the resources of Carlson Hotels Worldwide. As part of the new structure, Bjørn Gullaksen has been appointed executive vp/full-service hotels for Carlson Hotels Worldwide, which includes Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts. Formerly brand leader for Radisson, Gullaksen has more than 20 years of experience. Also, Nancy Johnson, formerly the brand leader for Country Inns & Suites, will expand her responsibilities to include Park Inn as she assumes the role of executive vice president, limited-service hotels for Carlson Hotels Worldwide. Johnson has been with Carlson for 17 years, most of them in development for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. Further, Jetse Pottinga, former leader for the Park brands, has been named regional vice president of operations, full-service hotels for Carlson Hotels Worldwide. In his newly expanded role he will be responsible for all full-service hotels in Canada, Mexico and the Western United States. Jay Witzel, president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, will continue to serve as brand leader for the company’s luxury brand, Regent International Hotels.