David P. Berg, chief operating officer, Carlson, today announced the appointment of Thorsten Kirschke as President, Asia Pacific for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, effective immediately. For the past four years, Thorsten has led Carlson Rezidor as president of the Americas. He will replace Simon Barlow, who recently resigned from his position to pursue other opportunities, and will report to David. 

“The Asia Pacific region is a key growth market for Carlson Rezidor, where we continue to expand our leadership position across emerging markets," said David. “Thorsten brings an exceptional background of leadership and management success in the hotel industry to this role.” 

In addition to the Americas, he has extensive global experience in leadership roles across Central Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, China and the Middle East. During his tenure in the Americas, Thorsten’s many achievements include the articulation and successful execution of the long-term turnaround strategy under Ambition 2015. 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^SM; substantial positive momentum in our J.D. Power and Associates guest satisfaction rankings; and the re-launch of our Club Carlson^SM loyalty program.  

As part of this organizational change, Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson, Americas and executive vice president, Owned and Managed Hotels, will continue to lead Radisson and Radisson Blu; Scott Meyer, senior vice president, Midscale Hotel Brands, Americas, will continue to lead Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn^® by Radisson; and Philip Silberstein, executive vice president, will continue to lead Development. Javier, Scott and Philip will now report to David. Molly Biwer, vice president, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, will now report directly to Cindy Rodahl, executive vice president, Human Resources and Communications, Carlson, with dual responsibility for both Carlson and Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group internal and external communications, meetings and events and shareholder relations. Jeannie Reichel, executive assistant, will now report to Joy Linsday, vice president, Human Resources, and will provide administrative support to the Human Resources and Legal departments. 

Please join in congratulating Thorsten on his many contributions to the growth and success of the Americas portfolio, and wishing him well in his new post.