Corry Oakes, co-founder and CEO of OTO Development, died unexpectedly Sunday, according to a news release.
In 2004, Oakes helped found OTO Development, a hotel development and hospitality management company, and took on the role as CEO. Prior to OTO, he served as the president and chief operating officer of Extended Stay America from 1994 to 2004.
“Corry was a beloved leader and a dear friend to so many in our community and our industry,” Todd Turner, co-founder and vice president of real estate at OTO Development, said in the news release. “His impact on our lives is as immeasurable as the grief we feel and the love for him and his family.”
Several high-ranking members in the hotel industry — including CEOs Chris Nassetta of Hilton, Anthony Capuano of Marriott International and Mark Hoplamazian of Hyatt Hotels Corp. — have issued statements commemorating Oakes.
“In a business based on relationships, we count none higher than that which we enjoyed with Corry. His focus, clarity and the extraordinary way he was able to provide feedback with a set of excellent ideas and inputs helped us all at Hyatt be better. On a personal level, I already miss him deeply as a friend. The industry lost a great person who meant so much to so many,” Hoplamazian said.
Oakes is survived by his wife, Amy, and three daughters, Ashley, Elizabeth and Lauren.
Editor’s note: Chris Nassetta serves on the board of directors for Hotel News Now’s parent company, CoStar Group.