CHICAGO—The start of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group's Full-Service Brand Conference was marked by the announcement by Chairman Marilyn Carlson Nelson that she would be stepping down from her current post and handing the reins over to her daughter Diana Nelson.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson noted she would stay on until May and would subsequently remain on the board for two years as "DIana helps to guide this company." Marilyn Carlson Nelson noted of Diana, whose background includes a long tenure at American Express, "she's developed a passion for Carlson and has come to deeply appreciate the challenges you all face. She has her grandfather's [company founder Curtis Nelson] ability to develop long-lasting relationships."

Diana noted she "has had a mentor from birth and has had the pleasure of watching Marilyn for the last decade." Mariilyn Carlson Nelson, who was CEO of the company from 1998 to 2008, reflected on her time with the company her father founded. "I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's been just a fantastic experience and one I will never be able to forget," she said, before adding, "I believe in our credo, our culture, and our leadership with Trudy [Rautio] at the helm."