Gullaksen, who is currently serving as executive vice president of managed hotels and resorts for Carlson Hotels Worldwide - The Americas, will continue to oversee those operations in addition to taking on leadership responsibilities for the global Regent brand. A hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, he previously has served as the company's executive vice president of Full Service Hotels, including Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts.

"As one of the most well-respected, iconic brands in luxury travel, Regent Hotels & Resorts are poised for strong growth worldwide," said Witzel. "Under Gullaksen's leadership we look forward to building on the existing strong heritage and presence of Regent, bringing the distinctive Regent Experience to new destinations around the world."

The current global portfolio includes Regent properties in Beijing; Shanghai; Singapore; Taipei; Berlin; Bordeaux; Zagreb, Croatia; and Turks and Caicos.

The company's North American expansion plans also include The Regent Bal Harbour, Florida, scheduled to open in early 2008 and The Regent Boston at Battery Wharf, also scheduled to open in 2008. Future global developments include Bangkok, Thailand; The Republic of Maldives; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Papagayo, Costa Rica; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The Regent brand also includes Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world's leading luxury cruise company. Gullaksen will head a global Regent brand council which will include representatives of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Regent Hotels & Resorts around the world.