NH Hotel Group CEO to head up Carlson Hotels
US-based Carlson Hotels has appointed the boss of NH Hotel Group as its new chief executive, just six weeks after being bought by Chinese group HNA Tourism.
Federico González Tejera will step into his new role on 1 February, succeeding David Berg who will leave the company following "a brief transition period". At the time of the acquisition, which included Carlson's 51.3% stake in Rezidor Hotel Group, the operator of the Radisson Blu and Park Inn brands, the new owners said that Beng would remain with the company.
Prior to heading up Spanish-based NH Hotel Group, Tejera was a deputy general manager at Disneyland Paris. Earlier in his career he worked at Procter & Gamble in Madrid, Brussels, Stockholm, and Lisbon.
Charles Mobus, newly appointed as director of the Carlson Hotels board, said that Berg had led the expansion of Carlson Hotels, which had resulted in increased profitability, improved competitiveness, and improvements in guest satisfaction.
"Our confidence in the future potential of Carlson Hotels is due in no small part to his efforts.
"Federico has an established track record and long-held experience in the hospitality industry, and we are confident in his ability to build upon this strong foundation."
Tejera added: "Carlson Hotels is a respected leader in the global hospitality industry and has a portfolio of world-class brands. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead this great business and continue to drive global growth. I look forward to working with David to ensure a smooth transition, and to joining the talented team he has cultivated over the past three years."
Tejera's replacement at NH Hotel Group is Ramón Aragonés, who has been promoted within the company from his previous role as executive director of business and operations. Aragonés joined NH Hotel Group eight years ago from Hesperia hotels.
Carlson comprises 1,400 hotels in operation and under development across eight brands. In Europe it operates four brands: Radisson Blu, Radisson Red, Quorvus Collection and Park Inn.
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