CURTISCarlson, the founder and chairman of US-based Carlson Companies, has died aged 84 after suffering a stroke.
Carlson, the US-born son of Swedish immigrants, started the company in the 1930s as a trading stamp firm and transformed it into the $22bn empire it is today.
Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies owns Carlson Leisure Group in the UK, which comprises Carlson Worldchoice, Caledonian Airways, Inspirations and Style Holidays.
It has a 50% shareholding in Carlson Wagonlit Travel and also owns Regent International Hotels, Radisson Worldwide, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Country Inns and Suites by Carlson, plus travel agencies in the US and Russia.
Carlson’s daughter, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, has been running the company since March when Curtis retired as president and chief executive officer.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Arleen, and another daughter, Barbara.