Kirschke take COO role
Hubert Joly, president and ceo of the Carlson Group of companies, it to take charge of its hotel division.
Mr Joly, former president and worldwide ceo of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, has also appointed Thorsten Kirschke as the chief operating officer of Carlson Hotels.
Mr Kirschke was formerly executive vp and chief operating officer for the Rezidor Hotel Group of which Carlson is the main shareholder.
Other Carlson hotel brands include Regent Hotels, Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn and Country Inns.
The Minneapolis-based company also owns Carlson Wagonlit Travel, restaurant chains and a marketing business.
Mr Joly was CWT's ceo from 2004-2008 before taking over as Carlson ceo.
Carlson said that Jay Witzel, who has worked for 22 years in senior management positions at Carlson, most recently as president and ceo of Carlson Hotels worldwide, had been appointed to a consulting role with the hotel company.
Mr Joly said of Mr Kirschke's promotion: "Thorsten brings an exceptional background of leadership and management success in the hotel industry to this role.
"His extensive global experience includes management roles in Russia, Germany, Denmark, Norway, England, United Arab Emirates and China."
Carlson said the changes were part of its strategy to "revitalise" the Radisson brand in the Americas.
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