Carlson chief Rautio to step down in May

Carlson has revealed that Trudy Rautio, president and chief executive officer, will retire from the company after 18 years of service.

Rautio will step down on May 1st.

During Rautio’s tenure as Carlson chief executive the company achieved key milestones including launching two new hotel brands with Radisson Red and Quorvus Collection.

Carlson also sold the iconic TGI Fridays brand as well as acquiring 100 per cent ownership of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the world’s leading business travel management company.

“We are grateful for Trudy’s many contributions over nearly two decades of service at Carlson, she has been a key figure in the success of this company,” said Diana Nelson, chair of the Carlson board.

“Trudy has also been a respected role model and leader for our industry, and a staunch supporter of key travel and tourism issues, including combatting human trafficking, workforce development, and job creation.”

Following Rautio’s retirement, Carlson will implement a new leadership structure to reflect the company’s focus on two, key business platforms: travel and hospitality.

This new organisational structure will provide dedicated chief executive officers for each of these respective platforms.

This succession plan reflects the re-shaping of the Carlson portfolio following the divestiture of the restaurants business and has been thoughtfully developed by the Carlson board along with Rautio.

Effective May 1st, David Berg, chief operating officer of Carlson will be promoted and assume duties as chief executive officer for Carlson Hospitality reporting to the Carlson board.

Berg will have responsibility for leading and managing the global hotel business and also assumes responsibility for the Carlson corporate centre and its functions.

In 2014, Carlson acquired the 45 per cent equity interest from JPMorgan Chase indirectly held in CWT, based in Paris, France.

As a result of this acquisition, Carlson today owns 100 per cent of CWT with the Carlson board governing this business platform.

Effective May 1st, Doug Anderson, president and CWT, will report directly to the Carlson board of directors.