Marilyn Carlson Nelson is chairman and former CEO of Carlson which includes such brands as Radisson Hotels, Country Inns & Suites, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and T.G.I. Friday’s.
More than 150,000 people work under the Carlson brands in 150 countries.
Marilyn served as co-chair of the World Economic Forum, chair of the National Women’s Business Council and chair of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.
Forbes named her one of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.” U.S. News and World Report called her one of “America’s Best Leaders.”
Under Marilyn’s leadership, Carlson became the first global travel and hospitality company in North America to sign the international Code of Conduct to protect children from sexual exploitation in the travel industry.
She was recently honored in Egypt for her decade-long commitment to combating human trafficking.
Marilyn serves on the boards of ExxonMobil, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and is Chair of the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees.
She is the author of the bestselling book How We Lead Matters: Reflections on a Life of Leadership.