MINNEAPOLIS and SINGAPORE—Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that Thorsten Kirschke will assume the role of president of the group’s Asia Pacific region effective immediately. For the past four years, Kirschke has led Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as president of the Americas. Kirschke will replace Simon Barlow, who resigned from his position to pursue other opportunities. He will report to David P. Berg, chief operating officer, Carlson.
“The Asia Pacific region is a key growth market for Carlson Rezidor where we continue to expand our leadership position across emerging markets,” Berg explained. “Thorsten brings an exceptional background of leadership and management success in the hotel industry to this role. His extensive global experience includes management roles in Central Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, China, and the Middle East.”
During his tenure in the Americas, Kirschke’s many achievements include the articulation and successful execution of the long-term turnaround strategy under the group’s Ambition 2015 strategy. This has included brand positioning, improved operational delivery, accelerated development, creation of an effective Commercial organization as well as the formation of an executive leadership team. Some of the highlights include the revitalization and repositioning of the Radisson brand, the introduction of Radisson Blu to the U.S., the launch of the Generation 4 Country Inns & Suites By Carlson; substantial positive momentum in our J.D. Power and Associates guest satisfaction rankings; and the re-launch of the Club Carlson loyalty program.
Prior to joining Carlson in 2009, Kirschke was the executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Rezidor Hotel Group based in Brussels, Belgium. Carlson is the main shareholder of Rezidor.
In the Americas, Javier Rosenberg will continue to lead Radisson and Radisson Blu as chief operating officer, Radisson, Americas and executive vice president, owned and managed hotels. Scott Meyer will continue to lead Country Inns and Suites by Carlson and Park Inn by Radisson as senior vice president, midscale hotel brands, Americas. Phil Silberstein, executive vice president, will lead development in the Americas. Rosenberg, Meyer, and Silberstein will now report to Berg.
