Rezidor appoints new Director for Responsible Business
The Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Catherine Rubbens as Director for its social and environmental affairs – effective April 21, 2008. Catherine (41) is a Dutch national and brings with her more than 15 years of international experience in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. Prior to her appointment at Rezidor, Catherine worked as Director of Products & Services for CSR Europe, the leading European business network for corporate social responsibility. She has also been Environmental Consultant at C21 in London, Junior Professional Officer with United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development in New York, Associate Expert Environmental Economist at United Nations Conference on Trade & Development in Geneva, and Consultant to the Environmental Resources Management in the Netherlands and United Kingdom.
Catherine takes over her new position from Pia Heidenmark-Cook, Vice President Responsible Business, who is leaving Rezidor to pursue another career opportunity. Pia joined Rezidor in 2001 and has established the group’s RB programme across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Since 2003, Pia has also served as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the IBLF’s Tourism Partnership. “I am sad to see Pia leaving our group but wish her all the success in her future challenges. She has been the driving force behind our RB programme and has made a significant difference in the way Rezidor and the hotel industry worldwide address the Corporate Social Responsibility issues,” says Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. “At the same time, I am excited to welcome such an experienced advocate and promoter of CSR as Catherine Rubbens to our fast growing company. This appointment further signals our group’s continued commitment to contribute to the well-being of our society and the environment.”
Rezidor was one of the first hotel companies in the world to have a dedicated programme for Responsible Business. Since 2001, all Rezidor hotels in Europe, Middle East & Africa, have been trained in several aspects of responsible business practices. Rezidor is also one of the first hotel companies in the world to offer all its guests carbon offsetting possibilities. The group has been active in CSR since the mid 1990’s and has received several awards including the Worldwide Hospitality Award in 2004. Rezidor is currently a member and Chair of the Executive Committee of the prestigious IBLF’s Tourism Partnership. In September 2007, Rezidor established a new partnership with World Childhood Foundation, a charity organisation founded in 1999 by H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden.
For more information on the Rezidor Hotel Group’s Responsible Business Activities and Strategies, please visit www.responsiblebusiness.rezidor.com.
