Hotel development and management company OTO Development announced it has appointed Todd Turner as CEO, taking over the role from Corry Oakes, who died unexpectedly on Aug. 7.
Oakes and Turner were among the founding members of OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, in 2004, working alongside each other for 18 years. Turner previously served as vice president of real estate, according to a news release announcing the appointment.
“I will forever mourn the loss of my dear friend Corry. I have had the tremendous honor and privilege of working alongside the finest man and greatest leader I know,” Turner said in the release. “OTO’s experienced leadership team embodies a culture that reflects Corry’s incredible qualities, and we are well-positioned to carry forward the legacy he set in motion.”
George Dean Johnson Jr., chairman of The Johnson Group, said in the release that Turner is "one of the most gifted real estate professionals."
"His keen intuition, natural ability to connect and build relationships and unparalleled work ethic have played an integral role in creating the company OTO is today. Corry's legacy will live on through Todd's thoughtful and humble leadership of the company they founded and built together," he said.
Spartanburg, South Carolina-based OTO Development currently has a portfolio of about 70 owned/operated hotels with 9,600 room keys.