MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Jan. 27, 2011-- Merrillville, Indiana based White Lodging recently announced that John O'Connor will be joining the company as Regional Vice President for Region 10.  O'Connor will be responsible for 12 properties in Northwest Indiana, Central Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee.

A graduate of the Hotel & Resort Management program at Rochester Institute of Technology, O'Connor began his career in the industry in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio.  Throughout the years, he has worked for several different corporations in a variety of cities and has gained valuable experience, which he brings to White Lodging.  "John has worked in food and beverage, plus he has a strong sales and operations background," commented Chief Operating Officer, Jon Peck.  "I believe John will add real value as he blends the White Lodging systems and processes with his own hands-on approach."

For the past eight years, O'Connor was the Director of Operations for Hospitality Management Corporation based in Dallas.  While with the company, he grew the portfolio from four to 14 properties and was responsible for initiating a guest service training program, which resulted in multiple award-winning hotels.

"I look forward to relocating to the Chicagoland/Northwest Indiana area, and to working with such a prestigious and recognized industry leader," O'Connor shared.

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 153 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.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com or call 219-472-2900.