Carlson today announced that Trudy Rautio, president and CEO, will retire from the company after 18 years of service. During Rautio’s tenure as Carlson CEO, the company launched two new hotel brands (Radisson Red and Quorvus Collection), sold the TGI Fridays brand, and acquired 100 percent ownership of Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT).
Following Rautio’s retirement, Carlson will implement a new leadership structure with separate CEOs for its travel and hospitality platforms. David P. Berg, COO of Carlson, will assume duties as CEO for Carlson Hospitality. Berg will lead and manage the global hotel business and assume responsibility for the Carlson corporate center. Doug Anderson will remain president and CEO of Carlson Wagonlit, based in Paris, France. Both executives will report directly to the Carlson board of directors. The management changes are effective May 1.
The Carlson board, along with Rautio, developed the succession plan following the divestiture of the restaurants business last May.
Read more in the Star Tribune.
