MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced the appointment of Larry Winston as vice president of sales for the company`s portfolio of five hotel brands. In his new position, Winston will be responsible for the development and implementation of sales strategies and the administration of the worldwide sales team representing the company`s hotel brands. Ranging from luxury to limited service, the brands of Carlson Hotels Worldwide include: Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.
The appointment was announced by Brian Stage, executive vice president of sales, distribution and reservation services for Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

“We are excited to bring Larry on board with a new perspective to our industry and a proven track record of leadership in the sales field,” said Stage. “With his experience leading business-to-business sales organizations and creating innovative service-driven strategies, he is uniquely qualified to lead our sales organization forward as we identify new markets, new channels of distribution, and new ways to develop them.”

Winston has more than 15 years of sales and sales management experience. Most recently he was employed in an interdivisional sales position with International Paper Company, the world`s largest paper and forest products company In this position, Winston was responsible for cross-divisional selling across the company and within business units, developing processes that turned a set of commodity products into a comprehensive service offering. During his time in this position, Winston successfully developed and implemented a strategic plan that resulted in a 45 percent growth in product sales between complementary business units.

He was also involved in creating and instituting a sales solution-based training program for the company`s 2,800 sales professionals.

As vice president of national accounts for Xpedx, a division of International Paper, he served as national account manager. In this position, Winston provided strategic planning and direction for more than 100 distribution centers. Among his accomplishments was the successful creation of sales and marketing alliances, resulting in a 25 percent growth in revenues.

Winston is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a bachelor`s degree in communication and marketing. He has also completed courses in finance management and senior management training.

Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, includes five hotel brands, totaling 881 hotels in 67 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 446 locations in 61 countries; Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, positioned in the mid-scale to upscale segment of the full-service hotel category, have 36 hotels globally; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, one of the fastest growing, mid-tier lodging chains with over 322 locations offering excellent value with upgraded services and amenities; and Park Inn hotels, with 69 hotels worldwide, are 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 1,665 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 82 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. Other names among the Carlson family of brands and services are: Carlson Marketing Group, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Results Travel, Cruise Holidays, T.G.I. Friday`s and Pick Up Stix restaurants. The company has been recognized by both Fortune and Working Mother magazines as one of the “100 best places to work for in America,” Carlson Companies` corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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