Carlson Hotels Worldwide has
announced the appointment of veteran hotel industry executive Bjorn
Gullaksen as President of The Regent Luxury Group.The appointment was
announced by Jay Witzel, president and CEO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

  Gullaksen, who is currently serving as executive vice president of
managed hotels and resorts for Carlson Hotels Worldwide - The Americas,
will continue to oversee those operations in addition to taking on
leadership responsibilities for the global Regent brand. A hospitality
industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, he previously has
served as the company’s executive vice president of Full Service Hotels,
including Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts.

  “As one of the most well-respected, iconic brands in luxury travel,
Regent Hotels & Resorts are poised for strong growth worldwide,” said
Witzel. “Under Gullaksen’s leadership we look forward to building on the
existing strong heritage and presence of Regent, bringing the distinctive
Regent Experience to new destinations around the world.”

  The current global portfolio includes Regent properties in Beijing;
Shanghai; Singapore; Taipei; Berlin; Bordeaux; Zagreb, Croatia; and Turks
and Caicos. The company’s North American expansion plans also include The
Regent Bal Harbour, Florida, scheduled to open in early 2008 and The Regent
Boston at Battery Wharf, also scheduled to open in 2008. Future global
developments include Bangkok, Thailand; The Republic of Maldives; Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Papagayo, Costa Rica; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

  The Regent brand also includes Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world’s
leading luxury cruise company. Gullaksen will head a global Regent brand
council which will include representatives of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and
Regent Hotels & Resorts around the world.
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