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-- Financial Veteran Becomes Company's First Female CFO -- |
| MINNEAPOLIS (January 18, 2005) – Trudy Rautio today was named
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Carlson
Companies by Carlson Chair and CEO Marilyn Carlson Nelson. “Trudy has tremendous experience both within and outside of our own operations, and her business acumen and counsel will be invaluable,” said Nelson. In her new role, Rautio will direct all financial operations of the company, report to Chair and CEO Marilyn Carlson Nelson, and join Carlson’s Executive Committee. Rautio will be the first female corporate CFO in Carlson’s history. Rautio’s current position with the company is President, Carlson Hotels Worldwide – The Americas, with overall responsibility for the operation and growth of the company's five hotel brands in North and South America. Previously, she served in a dual role as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Carlson Consumer Group plus chief administrative officer of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide. In 2003, Rautio received the Carlson Fellows award (the company’s highest honor, for career achievement) and was named one of the top women in finance in 2001 by Minnesota-based business publication Finance and Commerce. Prior to joining Carlson, Rautio was senior vice president and chief financial officer of Jostens, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis. She also served as vice president of finance for Minneapolis-based Pillsbury Co. Rautio serves on the board of directors for Minnesota Mutual Companies, Inc. and Securian Holding Company. She also is a board member of HIRED, a nonprofit organization that assists the unemployed. She is active in several finance-related organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Institute of Management Accountants, and Financial Executives Institute. A graduate of Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota, Rautio holds a master of business administration degree from the University of St. Thomas, Twin Cities. In addition, she is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant. Rautio replaces departing Carlson CFO Martyn Redgrave, who is joining Columbus, Ohio-based fashion apparel, intimate apparel, personal care and beauty products company Limited Brands, Inc. |
| Contact: Sam Macalus Carlson Companies Public Relations Telephone: 763-212-2477 Fax: 763-212-2219 www.carlson.com |