Carina Svensen

With 28 years’ experience in delivering premium hospitality experiences across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Carina leads the University of Edinburgh’s Commercial and Residential team. 

Her remit includes overseeing accommodation and catering services for 10,500 students, managing three year-round hotels and serviced apartments, and supervising summer commercial accommodations across Edinburgh during the busy Festival period. She is also responsible for the University’s conference and events venues, as well as its nurseries. The University is a large educational charity - any surplus generated from these activities is reinvested back to support the University’s strategic goals, which includes the student experience.

Previously, Carina spent six years as the Director of Brand Operation and Guest Experience for Radisson Hotel Group, overseeing all brands in the EMEA market. Before that, she played a pivotal role in launching the first Hotel Missoni, working closely with the Missoni family on its brand development. Carina brings a wealth of experience in the commercial reality of big chain hoteliers, combined with a passion for boutique hotel experiences.

Carina, originally from Norway, grew up immersed in family businesses rooted in both hospitality and design, working in both from a very young age. This background fuels her commitment to creating unique characters for each of the hotels she directs and elevating student accommodation from being considered mere ‘digs’ to delivering a true home environment. With a passion for art and interior design, Carina is also an experienced conference and events speaker.

Having worked in senior roles for global brands and managed some of Edinburgh’s best-known establishments, Carina is also a voice of authority on hospitality, and UK and Scottish business.