Carlson Hotels and Rezidor have revealed a new global structure, including a new role for Federico González Tejera just months after he was named CEO.
Tejera was named CEO of Carlson in January 2017 following HNA Group’s takeover of the company in December 2016 and under the new structure, he has resigned that post to become the President and CEO of Rezidor, following the resignation of popular leader Wolfgang M. Neumann.
Neumann will remain involved in the company and serve as a non‐executive Director on the Rezidor Board of Directors.
Taking over the role of CEO of Carlson Hotels is current HNA Group President John Kidd, a New Zealander who spent almost 20 years with Hilton Worldwide prior to his role with HNA.
As part of the changes, a new global steering committee, led by Tejera as Chairman, has been created to provide overall strategic direction at Rezidor and Carlson hotels.
“Rezidor’s relationship with Carlson Hotels creates numerous opportunities for growth and success,” Tejera said. “The establishment of a Global Steering Committee will ensure that both businesses are in lock‐step and are able to make more informed decisions that will benefit each entity and the Carlson‐Rezidor family as a whole.
“As CEO of Rezidor, and in close collaboration with the Steering Committee, I believe that we can realize tremendous value for Rezidor’s shareholders and both companies’ customers and employees,” he said.
The Committee will be comprised of an equal number of representatives from Carlson Hotels and Rezidor, and will provide guidance and strategic counsel to the respective management teams of Carlson Hotels and Rezidor.
Both Carlson Hotels and Rezidor will continue to operate as independent entities and the companies will continue to be governed and led by each company’s respective Boards of Directors and key executives.
The creation of a new Global Steering Committee has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies.
“Rezidor and Carlson Hotels share a rich history, and their partnership remains an important component to both companies’ global success,” said Director of the Rezidor Board and Director of the Carlson Hotels Board, Charles Mobus.
“Over the past few months, Rezidor and Carlson Hotels have carefully studied the ways in which the companies’ relationship can be enhanced in order to maximize value and growth potential.
“As a result, the Boards of Directors of both companies have determined that this new strategic approach will enable both Rezidor and Carlson Hotels to deliver improved results by better capitalizing on their existing relationship and maximizing the potential of their combined international footprint,” he said.
As part of the re-structure, several global leaders have departed their roles, including Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Asia-Pacific President, Thorsten Kirschke.
A replacement for Kirschke has not yet been named.