RLH Corporation Appoints John Russell Chief Executive Officer
Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) announced the appointment of John J. Russell, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Russell, who has over 40 years of hospitality experience, previously served as interim CEO since December 2019. He has played a crucial role in refocusing the company on franchisee support amid pandemic challenges. Chairman Carter Pate expressed confidence in Russell's leadership to enhance shareholder value. Russell's extensive background includes executive roles at various hospitality companies and leadership positions in industry associations.
- John J. Russell's appointment as permanent CEO may bring fresh perspectives and a strong leadership focus on franchise growth.
- Experience in navigating pandemic challenges may enhance recovery and stability for the company.
- Concerns may arise regarding the continuity of leadership and potential experience gaps due to Russell's recent appointment.
DENVER, June 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Lion Hotels Corporation (the “Company”) (NYSE: RLH), today announced John J. Russell, Jr., has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Russell, an industry veteran with more than 40 years of hospitality experience, has been serving as RLHC’s interim CEO since December 3, 2019.
Carter Pate, Chairman of the Board stated, “We are very pleased to be appointing John as Red Lion’s permanent CEO. Since joining RLHC, John has helped refocus the Company on supporting its franchisee relationships and cultivating franchise growth. He also has helped effectively navigate through this incredibly difficult period and the related challenges due to the pandemic. We are fortunate to have someone with the depth of experience that John brings to lead the RLHC team and support our commitment to improving shareholder value.”
Prior to joining Red Lion in December 2019, Mr. Russell served as President and COO of Sentry Hospitality from October 2017, a management company for hotels, resorts, conference centers, and private residence clubs. From March 2016 to July 2017, Mr. Russell was the Senior Vice President, Guest Experience, Education and Development, at the Georgia Aquarium, and from January 2012 through February 2016, Mr. Russell served as the President of Sentry Hospitality and Sentry Companies. Mr. Russell also recently served as Senior Advisor for Ocean Visions, Inc., an organization that funds and launches companies that find solutions to problems with oceans. Over the past 40 years, Mr. Russell has held numerous executive positions with hospitality companies, including ITT Sheraton, Days Inn of America, Carlson Companies, Benchmark Hospitality, HFS, Cendant, RCI, Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell (Partner), NYLO Hotels, MODO Hotels and CampusBrands. Mr. Russell is also a past Chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and President of the Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International.
About RLH Corporation
RLH Corporation is an innovative hotel company focused on the franchising of upscale, midscale and economy hotels. The company maximizes return on invested capital for hotel owners across North America through relevant brands, industry-leading technology and forward-thinking services. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.rlhco.com.
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Investor Relations Contact
Nikki Sacks
Investor Relations
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