MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 9, 2011) – Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, today announced that Sean Shannon has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president of development for Canada, Carlson Hotels, Americas. Shannon is responsible for overseeing management and franchise development for new build and conversion hotels for Radisson ®, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM, and Park Inn® brands throughout Canada. Shannon will report to Phil Silberstein, executive vice president, Full-Service Development, Carlson Hotels, Americas.

“The development of this position underscores the commitment Carlson has placed on growth in Canada and achieving our Ambition 2015 growth strategy,” said Robert Kleinschmidt, executive vice president and chief development officer, Carlson Hotels, Americas. “Sean knows all aspects of hotel operations and development and will utilize his expertise and experience in Canada to work with franchisees that are committed and able to meet our brands’ heightened quality standards.”

Shannon, a 14-year veteran of Carlson, was most recently senior regional director, franchise operations, Carlson Hotels, Americas. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the franchise operations for Radisson hotels in Canada and the western United States.

Shannon has more than 24 years of hospitality experience. He was previously the managing director of Illinois Hospitality, a hospitality management firm that operated hotels and restaurants. Shannon was active with the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association serving as chairman of the board and as the board representative to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). While serving with the AH&LA, he was a House of Delegates member and served as an appointee to the first-ever White House Conference on Travel and Tourism. He is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) from the American Hotel & Lodging Association and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.