Hubert Joly resigns as Carlson chief executive, Trudy Rautio named as replacement

The announcement was made after Joly unexpectedly resigned at the weekend after four years in the role to 'pursue other career opportunities'.

It has since been revealed the French-born businessman will head up US retailer Best Buy.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Carlson’s chair of the board, said Joly's replacement would help deliver a plan to grow the company's hotel business to more than 1,500 venues by 2015 and consolidate its restaurant operations.

"With Hubert Joly’s leadership through some very difficult financial times, Carlson is on strong financial footing. Hubert was hired as Carlson’s first non-family chief executive officer and we are grateful for his contributions to our company."

"The Carlson board of directors is extremely pleased to continue the strong momentum that we have been building through Ambition 2015. We are poised to accelerate our growth and Trudy has the experience, leadership and vision for Carlson’s exciting next chapter," she added.

Carlson Rezidor​

Joly also served as co-chair of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. The group was formed earlier this year as a result of a merger between Carlson and Belgium-based Rezidor​ which operates the Radisson Blu, Park Plaza and Park Inn by Radisson brands in the UK and across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

At the time of the creation of the new business Joly had said it was a 'natural step' after 17 years of the two companies working together.

The aim of the company, hammered out by Joly and fellow co-chair and Rezidor president and chief executive Kurt Ritter, is to generate additional revenue, increase revenue per available room (RevPAR) and become the number one hospitality group to work for.

Rautio, who also serves on the Rezidor board, has previously worked as president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide and executive vice president and chief financial officer of Carlson Consumer Group.