White Lodging, one of the largest independent hotel development and management companies in the U.S., has promoted Jean-Luc Barone (shown above) to CEO. Ken Barrett, who previously held this role, will continue to serve as president of the company, focused on the performance of the company’s owned assets and other key company initiatives. Both Barone and Barrett report to Bruce White, White Lodging founder/chairman.
Barone joined White Lodging in 2016 as VP, food & beverage, and most recently served as the company’s COO, a position he has held since 2018. Filling the now-open COO position is David Lanterman, former SVP, operations.
“Jean-Luc and David have been catalysts for positive change and have quickly elevated the company’s urban and lifestyle hotel offerings and locally relevant restaurants,” said White. “Both leaders also have a reputation for creating an environment that allows each associate to be their best self, and grow through training, development and mentorship—something associates all across the industry need more than ever.”
Barone is responsible for all of White Lodging’s hospitality management operations, including new hotel openings; concept creation and execution; and the Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection. Prior to joining White Lodging, he spent 16 years with Starwood Hotels in a variety of operation roles, including VP, global food & beverage.
As COO, Lanterman oversees all strategy execution, operations and customer service at the property level. His focus will be on driving consistent and focused execution across the portfolio. Prior to joining White Lodging in 2013, he spent 10 years with Winegardner and Hammons Hotel Group in multiple leadership positions.
In other moves, Steve Ransone will now serve as VP, organizational capability. In this role, he is responsible for recruiting, training, development and other direct efforts designed to grow associates’ personal and professional skills. He is a 23-year White Lodging veteran who most recently served as VP, rooms operations. He worked at Marriott International for more than 10 years before joining White Lodging.
Whitney Flores has replaced Ransone as VP, rooms operations. She joined White Lodging in 2014 and most recently served as director, rooms operations. She is responsible for execution and process improvement across all front office and housekeeping operations, including all new hotel openings. Before joining the company, she spent five years in various Hyatt Hotels operations roles.
“Our people are the heart and soul of White Lodging and I’m proud to see these internal associates thriving,” said White.