Carlson Hospitality Promotes Nelson To Succeed Chief Exec.

Carlson Hospitality Worldwide-owner of the Radisson, Country Inns & Suites, and Regent brands-has tapped Curtis Nelson, grandson of founder Curtis Carlson, to step up as chief executive since John Norlander's retirement Jan 1.

Nelson began his Carlson initiation as a dishwasher in a Country Kitchen restaurant. After management stints with Hyatt and Four Seasons, he joined Carlson in 1989 as a Radisson management executive.

Taking the reins as Country Hospitality Worldwide's president and chief executive in 1993 helped propel Nelson into the executive vice president and chief operating officer post at Carlson Hospitality two years later. One of Nelson's recent accomplishments was spearheading the Regent acquisition from Four Seasons Regent (<I>BTN</I>, Dec. 16, 1996).

Norlander, who logged 21 years with Carlson and took the helm in 1995, will serve as a consultant for the group.

"Carlson has set out very aggressive expansion goals," said Ted Mandigo, director of Landauer Associates Inc. in Chicago. "It still remains to be seen how well the new management pursues that.