MINNEAPOLIS AND ARUBA (Mar. 20, 2012) – Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the appointment of Willem Plegt as general manager of the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa. Plegt, who assumes his new role March 26, replaces Rob Smith, who was recently named general manager of the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Minneapolis.
“Willem is a seasoned hotelier who brings a wealth of international and Caribbean experience,” said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Radisson, Americas, and executive vice president of owned and managed hotels, Americas. “I am confident his leadership will strengthen the Radisson Aruba’s position as the island’s leading resort, offering impressive service and facilities on the island’s best beach.”
The resort recently completed a USD 30 million renovation that included refurbishing the hotel’s 355-rooms and key public areas.
Plegt most recently served as general manager of the Palisade Palms in Galveston, Texas where he developed and implemented management structure for the newly-built property. He began his career with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts in 1984 at the Inter-Continental New York Barclay. He served in numerous management roles at properties around the world including Houston, Miami, San Juan, Puerto Rico, London, Berlin and Amsterdam.
In addition, Plegt served as an executive board member of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. A Dutch national, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Hotel School in The Hague, The Netherlands.
