Kurt Ritter will continue as president and chief executive officer of the Rezidor Hotel Group for an additional three years, after receiving the backing of the company's board.
Ritter's current employment agreement was due to terminate in February 2012, but has now been extended. Ritter has been president and chief executive officer at Rezidor since 1989.
Hubert Joly, who was elected chair of Rezidor's board at its recent AGM, said: "Kurt Ritter has played a critical role in making Rezidor what it is today.
"Kurt's leadership will be key to drive the profitable growth of Rezidor over the next several years, including by leveraging the combined strengths of Rezidor and Carlson."