Carlson’s Olson Dies At Age 57

MINNEAPOLIS, MN— Carlson Hotels Worldwide announced the sudden and unexpected death this past weekend of James Olson, age 57. Olson made his mark on the hotel industry during a career that spanned 34 years, most of them at Carlson Companies. He joined Carlson in 1972 and held various positions in the company. His most recent position was as vice president of development for the full-service hotel brands in the Americas for Carlson Hotels Worldwide, the lodging operation of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide. Olson was instrumental in the development of Carlson hotel brands. He is credited with the company’s expansion throughout the Asia-Pacific region, which has grown to nearly 40 locations. During the global restructuring of Carlson Hotels Worldwide last year and the creation of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, Jim took on a new assignment in the Americas. He was just beginning work on this new phase of his career at the time of his death. In a statement released by Carlson Hotels Worldwide today, Jay Witzel, president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide said, “He will be deeply missed by the Carlson Hotels Worldwide development team, led by Sam Winterbottom; and his numerous colleagues at Carlson Companies. Jims unwavering support and professionalism also touched many leaders of the hotel industry as well as Carlson’s global partners and hotel operators. Carlson extends its deepest sympathy to Jim’s entire family.”