This morning (Mar 18), Thorsten Kirschke was announced as Simon Barlow’s replacement as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s President of Asia-Pacific.
Prior to his appointment, Kirschke had been Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s President of the Americas for the last four years and during his tenure, his many achievements included the articulation and successful execution of the long-term turnaround strategy under the group’s Ambition 2015 strategy.
This has included brand positioning, improved operational delivery, accelerated development, creation of an effective Commercial organisation as well as the formation of an executive leadership team.
Some of the highlights included the revitalisation and repositioning of the Radisson brand, the introduction of Radisson Blu to the U.S., the launch of the Generation 4 Country Inns and Suites By Carlson, substantial positive momentum in our J.D. Power and Associates guest satisfaction rankings, and the re-launch of the Club Carlson loyalty program.
Prior to joining Carlson in 2009, Kirschke was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for The Rezidor Hotel Group (of which Carlson is the main shareholder), based in Brussels, Belgium.
A Hannover (Germany) native, Kirschke joined the Rezidor Hotel Group in 1995 in Corporate Food and Beverage and then held various management positions in all areas of Rezidor’s master franchise operations around the world including Russia, China, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.
Since 2002, he served as area vice president of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, South East Europe, Switzerland and Italy.
Kirschke also has been a member of Rezidor’s Executive Committee and he is on the Board of Directors for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the global leader in business travel management.
Kirschke earned a master’s degree in the hospitality industry from IMHI Essec University in Paris.