MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (June 12, 2002)—-Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced a new global organizational structure, aligning the company operationally with the world`s three primary economic theaters: The Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa, and Asia Pacific. A key executive appointment was also announced, naming Paul Kirwin, currently president of Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, to the new position of president and managing director of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific.

The structural change and appointment were announced by Jay Witzel, executive vice president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, which includes: Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza hotels, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn Hotels.

“With Carlson hotel brands operating today in 813 locations in 63 countries, our goal is to provide the most efficient and effective support platform for all our brands in the world`s primary economic theaters,” Witzel stated. “This new geographic structure also supports our overall strategy of operating as one integrated hotel company with complimentary and well-defined brands within each of these theaters,” he added.

Witzel noted that Kirwin will be leaving his position as President of Country Inns & Suites in August to establish a new Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific office in Singapore. There are currently more than 60 hotels operating under Carlson hotel brands in 13 Asia-Pacific countries.

“Paul will be leading our current organization in Asia Pacific and building a structure to capture the exciting opportunities of the future,” Witzel added. “The potential for growth of our brands in this region is extraordinary since it contains some of the world`s fastest growing economies.”

During his 13-year career at Country Inns & Suites, Kirwin has played a key leadership role in growing the company to more than 300 locations while maintaining award-winning quality standards and earning a 98 percent return rating from guests. He served as president for the past five years and previously in various senior operational positions. In prior experience, he also served in management positions with Radisson Hotels & Resorts, including general manager positions.

Witzel said that a replacement for Kirwin at Country Inns & Suites, along with other news about the structure of Carlson Hotels Worldwide in the other global economic theaters, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, includes five hotel brands, totaling 813 hotels in 63 countries. Hotel brands include: Regent International Hotels, one of the most respected brands in the luxury segment of the lodging industry; Radisson Hotels & Resorts, one of the world`s leading upscale hotel companies with more than 430 locations in 60 countries; Park Plaza hotels in North America and Asia-Pacific, positioned in the mid-scale to upscale segment of the full-service hotel category; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, one of the fastest growing, mid-tier lodging chains with over 300 locations offering excellent value with upgraded services and amenities; and Park Inn hotels in North America and Asia-Pacific, positioned within the economy to mid-scale segment of the limited service hotel category.

Carlson Hospitality Worldwide is a global leader in hospitality services, encompassing more than 1,570 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 81 countries. Carlson Hospitality Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson Companies, Inc., a global leader in providing corporate solutions and consumer services in the marketing, travel and hospitality industries. Among the names in the Carlson family of brands and services are: Carlson Marketing Group®, Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, Regent® International Hotels, Radisson® Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson®, Park Plaza® and Park Inn® hotels, Results Travel, Cruise Holidays, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises® and T.G.I. Friday`s® restaurants. Carlson Companies is recognized by both Fortune and Working Mother magazines as one of the “100 best places to work in America.”
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