MINNEAPOLIS—Trudy Rautio, president and CEO of Carlson, will retire from the company effective May 1, after 18 years of service.
During Rautio’s tenure as Carlson CEO, the company achieved key milestones including launching two new hotel brands with Radisson Red and Quorvus Collection; the sale of the TGI Fridays brand, as well as acquiring 100% ownership of Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT).
“We are grateful for Trudy’s many contributions over nearly two decades of service at Carlson. She has been a key figure in the success of this company,” said Diana Nelson, chair of the Carlson board. “Trudy has also been a respected role model and leader for our industry, and a staunch supporter of key travel and tourism issues, including combatting human trafficking, workforce development and job creation.”
Following Rautio’s retirement, Carlson will implement a new leadership structure to reflect the its focus on two, key business platforms: travel and hospitality, according to the company. This new organizational structure will provide dedicated CEOs for each of these respective platforms. This succession plan reflects the reshaping of the Carlson portfolio following the divestiture of the restaurants business, and has been developed by the Carlson board along with Rautio.
Effective May 1, David P. Berg, COO of Carlson will be promoted and assume duties as CEO for Carlson Hospitality, reporting to the Carlson board. Berg will have responsibility for leading and managing the global hotel business and also assumes responsibility for the Carlson corporate center and its functions.
In 2014, Carlson acquired the 45% equity interest from JPMorgan Chase & Co. indirectly held in CWT, based in Paris. As a result of this acquisition, Carlson today owns 100% of CWT with the Carlson board governing this business platform. Effective May 1, Doug Anderson, president and CEO of CWT, will report directly to the Carlson board of directors.