�We are wrapping up the final elements of our totally new hotel concept, created by entrepreneurs outside the hotel industry,� said Jerry Ellenburg, eSuites� chairman.  �Sam is one of the last, and most important components of our pre-launch.  He brings the operational, development and senior hotel level managerial experience that we need to introduce and operate our hotels in a fashion that will clearly set our brand apart from our competitors.�

Winterbottom is the former executive vice president of development for Carlson Hotels, where he oversaw the development of the company�s five hotel brands, adding more than 300 properties during his four year tenure there.  

Previously he was president of ITT Sheraton Franchise, where he oversaw the addition of 130 hotels in the U.S. and Canada.  Following Sheraton�s acquisition by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, he became president of Starwood Hotels Franchise division.  

Winterbottom holds a BA degree in history from Illinois Wesleyan University.  He is a former member of the board of directors of both the Texas and Ohio Hotel Associations, currently is Chairman of the AH&LEF Golf Committee.  He is a frequent panelist and moderator at hotel industry forums.

Based in Tampa, Fla., eSuites is a new concept hotel that will break ground on its first hotels later this year.