Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is changing its name to Radisson Hotel Group, effective March 5, 2018. When contacted by Meetings & Conventions for comment, a spokesperson said the company will hold an official press conference on that date "to explain what the name change means for us," as well as to unveil the new logo and new loyalty program, Radisson Rewards, which will replace Club Carlson.
The company, whose portfolio includes Country Inns & Suites and three different Radisson brands, has been undergoing a massive overhaul since being bought by Chinese conglomerate HNA in April 2016, including the installation of new leadership. Last year, nine field directors were appointed within Carlson's development team as part of a new five-year plan, which includes a repositioning of the brand and a doubling-down on expansion.
In 2017, the Americas division, which is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., had a major organization overhaul. In June, Ken Greene, the former CEO of Delta Hotels & Resorts, was named president of the Americas for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Terry Sanders was brought in as chief development officer for the Americas and Charles McKee was appointed chief commercial officer.
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The name change is clearly a move to draw on the brand recognition of Carlson's core, Radisson, which has a worldwide portfolio of more than 600 properties and a heavy development pipeline. As part of the company's aggressive five-year plan, the U.S. could see more Radisson Blu hotels. Currently there are only three in the States, two of which are in the Minneapolis area, while there are hundreds worldwide. The company also will add more of its Millennial-targeted Radisson Red brand, as well as fuel the growth of its Country Inn & Suites portfolio.