Matt McClelland has joined OTO Development as chief operating officer, replacing former COO David Ward, who retired on Dec. 31 after 18 years with the company. McClelland will oversee operations across the company, with an emphasis on elevating the guest experience, increasing efficiency and maximizing profitability.
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.
“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,” McClelland said in a statement.
A 34-year veteran of the hospitality industry, McClelland began his career as a guest service representative with Marriott. 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,” OTO Development CEO Todd Turner said. “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, “we’re excited to have Mat’s experienced vision contribute to the evolution of our company,” Turner added.
Over the years, McClelland has served on advisory councils for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and AHLA. He 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.
McClelland will be based out of the company’s corporate headquarters in Spartanburg, S.C.