Carlson CEO hunt lands ex-UPS 'outsider?

Marilyn Carlson Nelson (pictured), chairman of the Carlson family business empire, has once more taken the hunt for a chief executive outside of the family circle, landing 25-year UPS veteran Douglas Anderson.

Marilyn said that the recruitment process to hire a CEO for Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), the travel management company, was a far-reaching affair that ended wiith the appointment of an external candidate ? part of a growing trend at the firm.

Carlson appointed the first non-family CEO for the Group in January of this year. That role had been previously coveted by Marilyn's son, Curtis Carlson Nelson. There is an ongoing lawsuit between Curtis and his mother, as he reportedly believes he was wrongly denied the position.

"The CWT board of directors conducted an extensive, three-month search that included internal and external candidates alike," she said of the appointment of  Anderson, who joined the $25.5 billion business as executive vice president and chief financial officer one year ago.

"Doug surpassed all others with his proven leadership skills and first-hand knowledge of CWT," added the matriarch. "His ability to work across borders is another great asset that will enable CWT to build upon its global leadership."

Anderson, 53, will be based in Paris and report to the CWT board of directors. The board is composed of members from Carlson and One Equity Partners, a private equity affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co.