Matt McClelland Joins OTO Development as Chief Operating Officer

January 12, 2024 | Operations

Matt McClelland has joined OTO Development as chief operating officer, bringing a dynamic depth and breadth of operations experience. 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.

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 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,” 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.

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