MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Nov. 29, 2010 -- Ken Stone, a 22-year veteran of the hospitality industry, recently joined White Lodging as the Regional Director of Sales and Marketing. In his new position, Stone will be responsible for generating demand, increasing market share, training and development, and ensuring the successful opening and conversion of select hotels in Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville. White Lodging, one of the leading independent hospitality, development and management companies in the country currently has 152 hotels in eighteen states.

Stone comes to White Lodging from IHG where he also served as a Regional Director of Sales and Marketing.  In this capacity, he oversaw 56 branded properties and achieved the designation of "Top Producing Region" for six consecutive years.  During his tenure with IHG, Stone grew the company's market share an average of 5 percent per year.

Prior to his employment with IHG, Stone was responsible for 24 full service and four extended stay Midwest properties for the Wyndham brand.  He distinguished himself by increasing national sales productivity by 275 percent through effective leadership and by establishing and maintaining pre-set expectations.

Stone started his career in the hospitality industry with Sunburst Hospitality, a nationwide owner/operator of hotels.  As Regional Director of Sales with the company, he was in charge of 36 properties with $144 million in annual revenue.

White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development, and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid- to large-scale hotels across the country. Their current portfolio consists of over 152 hotels in eighteen states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Carlson Hotels Worldwide.