MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (March 31, 2003) ---- Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced that William (Bill) Sipple has been appointed vice president of development for full-service hotels in the Americas. In his new role, Sipple is responsible for seeking and securing managed, owned or franchised opportunities for the company's full-service hotel brands: Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza hotels.  Sipple reports to Samuel Winterbottom, executive vice president of development for the Americas.

William (Bill) Sipple

"Bill brings diverse experience that will serve a vital role in the positioning of the full-service brands of Carlson Hotels," says Winterbottom.  "He has a strong track record of success and we look forward to extending the value of his knowledge and experience to Regent, Radisson and Park Plaza."

Sipple has more than 25 years experience in hotel development, finance, valuation and operations.  His experience includes HVS Capital Corporation (HVSCC) where he was responsible for originating debt, equity and consulting assignments, including a leading role in the development of HVSCC's Special Hospitality Assets Group.  He also worked as regional director of development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide where his duties included product positioning for Westin, Sheraton, Four Points and Luxury Collection brands for the western United States.  During his tenure at Starwood, Sipple was responsible for developing over $1 billion of assets including portfolio transactions, ski resorts, golf resorts, mixed-use developments, urban high-rise and luxury destination resorts. 

Sipple also held regional vice president development roles for Ramada Inns and Brookshire Development.  Additionally, he led the Management Advisory Services practice for Pannell Kerr Forster's Dallas office, and headed his own firm Index Consulting Group, Inc.  Sipple is a Certified Hotel Administrator with the American Hotel & Lodging Association.  He is also a Certified General Appraiser in Colorado and has held the same designation in Massachusetts and Florida.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, and is a member of the Cornell Society of Hotelmen and the Lodging Industry Investment Council.  Sipple takes over the position left open by the unexpected death in January of Jim Olson, a 30-year Carlson employee. 

Carlson Hotels Worldwide is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, a global leader in hospitality services, encompassing more than 1,660 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 82 countries.  In addition to its hotel operations, other brands include Radisson Seven Seas Cruises; T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants; and Provisions, a worldwide procurement company.