Carlson honored eleven employees this week for outstanding career achievement with its 2011 Carlson Fellows Award, the company's highest achievement. The award was established in 1988 during Carlson’s 50th anniversary, where 31 active and retired employees became the first members inducted into the Carlson Hall of Fame. They were recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to Carlson during its first 50 years of operation.

The tradition continues today. Since 1988, 267 Carlson employees have received the award named in honor of Carlson founder Curtis L. Carlson. Recipients receive a bronze maquette of the life-size sculpture of Mr. Carlson displayed in the company’s world headquarters. The replicas were created for Carlson by world-famous sculptor, J. Paul Nesse.

“We consider our Carlson Fellows to be the best of our best," said Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer, Carlson. "They have earned this elite recognition because of the exemplary results they have produced for the company; because of the great strength of character and leadership and dedication they have shown over their careers; and because they represent the Carlson ideals, not only to our company, but in their relationships and communities."

Photo top right: 2011 Carlson Fellows Front Row (L-R): Hubert Joly, Thorsten Kirschke, Andrew Waller, Judy Dodson, Douglas Anderson, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, chairman, Carlson; Ronnie Lobo; Back Row (L-R): Carl Robie, Gordon McKinnon, Puneet Chhatwal, Joe Ihrke, Christian Gartmann and Craig Thompson.

Congratulations to our 2011 Carlson Fellows Award winners from Carlson Rezidor:

Puneet Chhatwal, executive vice president and chief development officer,
Europe, Middle East and Africa, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
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Christian Gartmann, area vice president, Nordics, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
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Thorsten Kirschke, president, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
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Ronnie Lobo, vice president, Operations, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
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From the other business units of Carlson, the 2011 Fellows Award winners are:

Doug Anderson, president and chief executive officer, Carlson Wagonlit Travel
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Judy Dodson, senior director, Corporate Services, Carlson Restaurants
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Joe Ihrke, senior vice president, Carlson Real Estate Company
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Gordon McKinnon, executive vice president and chief branding officer, Carlson
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Carl Robie, vice president, Strategic Sourcing, Carlson Restaurants
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Craig Thompson, general manager, Military Markets, CWTSatoTravel
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Andrew Waller, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Global Partners Network,
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
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