Matt McClelland has joined OTO Development as COO, replacing David Ward, who retired on Dec. 31 after 18 years with the company.
The company, part of The Johnson Group, owns and/or operates approximately 65 select-service and lifestyle hotels across the country, many with proprietary restaurant concepts.
McClelland oversees operations across the company, with an emphasis on elevating the guest experience, increasing efficiency and maximizing profitability.
“OTO has built an industry-leading portfolio 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,” he said.
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 EVP, 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 U.S. and Canada.
“Mat McClelland has been instrumental in building Concord into one of our industry’s most admired lodging companies,” said Todd Turner, CEO, 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, Turner added, “We’re excited to have Matt’s experienced vision contribute to the evolution of our company.”