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Spartanburg,
SC – January 2024 / NewsmakerAlert: Matt
McClelland has joined OTO
Development as chief operating officer, bringing a dynamic depth and
breadth of operations experience to the hotelier’s C-suite. He replaces
former COO David Ward, who retired on December 31 after 18 years with the
company.
OTO
Development, part of The Johnson Group, owns and/or operates approximately
65 select-service and lifestyle hotels across the country, many with proprietary
restaurant concepts.
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McClelland
will oversee operations across the company, with an emphasis on elevating
the guest experience, increasing efficiency, and maximizing profitability.
“OTO
has built an industry-leading portfolio,” says McClelland, “and I’m intrigued
by the opportunity to further propel its success with an operations strategy
that develops high-performing people and results-driven procedures.”
A 34-year
veteran of the hospitality industry, McClelland began his career as a guest
service representative with Marriot. He was steadily promoted over the
next eight years to on-property management positions before being recruited
in 1997 by Concord Hospitality.
His
tenure at Concord spanned more than 25 years, taking him from a hotel director
of operations to corporate roles of increasing responsibility focused on
facilities, capital assets, development, and operations. In 2016, he was
promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations at Concord, a company
with 146 properties encompassing 29 brands, seven franchise systems, five
independent hotels, and 30 destination F&B outlets in the United States
and Canada.
“Matt
McClelland has been instrumental in building Concord into one of our industry’s
most admired lodging companies,” says Todd
Turner, CEO of OTO Development. “He’s well-known for bringing contagious
enthusiasm and infinite energy to every task, and this passion will accelerate
OTO’s upward trajectory.”
As
OTO Development moves toward its 20th anniversary in May 2024, “We’re excited
to have Matt’s experienced vision contribute to the evolution of our company,”
Turner adds.
Committed
to fostering strong partnerships, McClelland has served over the years
on advisory councils for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and AHLA. His people-focused
leadership style helped Concord earn an array of industry accolades, including
multiple Developer of the Year awards from major brand partners and Marriott’s
Serve 360 Award for community service.
As
OTO’s new COO, McClelland will be based out of the company’s corporate
headquarters in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Away
from the office, McClelland enjoys family time and traveling. He has been
married to his high school sweetheart, Jen, for 33 years. They have five
children|—|Thad,
Parker, Jonah, Izabelle, and Jazmin — and now share their empty nest with
a bluetick hound named Burt.
About
OTO Development
OTO
Development, part of The
Johnson Group, is an award-winning hotel development and hospitality
management company. Founded in 2004 and partnering with the Hilton, Hyatt,
IHG, and Marriot brands, OTO’s industry leadership position is anchored
by a portfolio of excellent hotels staffed by exceptional people. The company
currently owns and/or operates approximately 65 hotels comprising more
than 10,000 room keys. OTO’s growth is focused on developing new hotels
in high-barrier-to-entry markets; purchasing and repurposing existing hotel
properties; and expanding strategic third-party management relationships.
For more information, visit OTODevelopment.com.
OTO
Development: Facebook
| Twitter | LinkedIn
Media
Contact:
Diane
Jackson
Director
of Public Relations
&
Corporate Communications
OTO
Development
864-327-6274
LinkedIn
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