Carlson Hotels Worldwide announced the appointment of Paul Kirwin as President of Carlson Hotels Worldwide - The Americas. Kirwin, a veteran Carlson Hotels executive, has served the last five years as President and Managing Director of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific.

Announcing the appointment was Jay Witzel, president and CEO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "Paul brings a wealth of hotel industry experience and a proven record of success to this position," Witzel said. "Paul was the inaugural president of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific when we created this company five years ago and has provided strong leadership in establishing and growing our brands in this vitally important region of the world."

Kirwin assumes his new position from Yvonne LaPenotiere, who has been named to the newly created position of Chief Branding Officer. This position will play a vital role in the creation and implementation of brand management strategy that is central to the future success of Carlson's five hotel brands: Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn. The company currently includes 964 locations in 70 countries worldwide.

Witzel added, "We are pleased that Paul will be leading the Americas team, building further on the strong foundation of success that has been established during the past several years of leadership by Yvonne."

Kirwin has more than 20 years experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to his presidency of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, he spent 13 years with Country Inns & Suites By Carlson in various senior operational positions, including five as president, leading the overall business operations and expansion of this industry leading, mid-tier hotel brand. Kirwin also served as general manager at Radisson hotel properties in Charlotte, N.C. and Lexington, KY. He began his career with Hyatt hotels in various operations positions.

Additional changes in development structure

Carlson Hotels also announced additional structural changes in its business development teams. Franchise development for all brands is now consolidated under the leadership of Nancy Johnson, who will also retain responsibilities as executive vice president of franchised operations for full service hotels.

Development for new properties that are owned and managed by Carlson will be under the leadership of Wendy Nelson, who has been promoted to executive vice president of Carlson Hotels Real Estate Company. Nelson will also take on responsibilities for architectural design and project management in addition to her current responsibilities for asset management and project analysis. This new structure reflects the strategic importance of the owned and managed portfolio and the company's strategy to grow this part of the business. Steve Mogck will continue in the role of executive vice president of franchise operations for select service hotels.