SPARTANBURG, South Carolina—Matt McClelland has joined OTO Development as chief operating officer. He replaces former COO David Ward, who retired on Dec. 31, 2023, 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 restaurant concepts. McClelland will oversee operations across the company, with an emphasis on the guest experience, efficiency, and profitability.
“OTO has built an industry-leading portfolio,” said McClelland. “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 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 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,” said 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 Mat’s experienced vision contribute to the evolution of our company,” Turner added.
McClelland has served over the years on advisory councils for Marriot, Hilton, Hyatt, and AHLA. 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 dog named Burt.
