Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Fred Schwartz as vice president, Owner Relations, Americas. He will report directly to Philip Silberstein, executive vice president, Development, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas.

“Fred is a highly respected industry leader and joins us after an impressive 18-year career as president of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), where he helped grow the organization from 3,000 to 14,000 members who own more than 40 percent of U.S. hotels,” said Silberstein. “Today AAHOA is recognized as the most powerful voice among hotel owners and that can be attributed to Fred’s two decades worth of work with the organization.”

Schwartz will be responsible for strengthening existing relationships with owners across all Carlson Rezidor brands, and will work closely with the development team to pursue new opportunities.

“He brings outstanding expertise in franchising and lodging operations and a proven ability to establish and nurture relationships, added Silberstein.”

As an industry advocate, he has a strong track record of building industry coalitions such as American Hotel & Lodging Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S.-India Business Council and with local state associations and played a key role in framing small-business legislation.

Prior to AAHOA, he held executive positions with Intercontinental Hotels and Hyatt, and was tapped for the critical role of managing the hotel program for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga.

Schwartz is a graduate of Queens College in New York.