Above: the new Radisson in Grenada

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has named Chris Ivy as its new chief development officer for the Americas region.

The company operates 1,300 hotels worldwide, a number of which are located in the Caribbean.

“Chris’ appointment will help Carlson Rezidor drive and deliver our development strategy, with a strong focus on significantly increasing the pipeline of owned/managed and franchised hotels through a targeted development strategy,” said Thorsten Kirschke, president for the Americas. “Through key relationships with owners, developers, management companies and financial institutions, he will also identify strategic investment opportunities.”

Ivy comes to the company from Interstate Hotels and Resorts, where he was executive vice president for acquisitions and development. He has also previously served as senior vice president for real estate and development for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, among other stops.

Carlson Rezidor’s Radisson brand recently opened a new resort at the former Grand Beach Resort in Grenada.

There are also Radisson-branded properties in Aruba, St Martin and Barbados, which opened in 2013.

The company is also planning to open a new hotel in Trinidad.