Merrillville-based hospitality development and management firm White Lodging has named a new chief executive officer and promoted several executives.

Jean-Luc Barone, the company’s chief operating officer, was promoted to chief executive officer of the hotel management company. Ken Barrett, who previously served the post, will remain as president of White Lodging, focusing on performance and other key company initiatives.

Both Barone and Barrett will report to Bruce White, White Lodging founder and chairman.

Barone joined White Lodging in 2016 as the vice president of food and beverage, and served as COO since 2018.

The company named David Lanterman, senior vice president of operations, new COO.

“Jean-Luc and David have been catalysts for positive change and have quickly elevated the company’s urban and lifestyle hotel offerings and locally relevant restaurants,” White said. “Both leaders also have a reputation for creating an environment that allows each associate to be their best self, and grow through training, development and mentorship – something associates all across the industry need more than ever.”

Barone will oversee all of White Lodging’s hospitality management operations, including new hotel openings; concept creation and execution; and the award-winning Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection. Prior to joining White Lodging, Barone spent 16 years with Starwood Hotels in a variety of operation roles, including vice president of global food and beverage for Starwood hotels.

As COO, Lanterman will oversee all strategy execution, operations and customer service at the property level. Prior to joining White Lodging in 2013, Lanterman spent 10 years with Winegardner and Hammons Hotel Group in multiple leadership positions.

The company also announced the following executive appointments:

• Steve Ransone will serve as White Lodging’s vice president of organizational capability. He will oversee recruiting, training, development, and other efforts designed to grow associates’ personal and professional skills. Ransone is a 23-year White Lodging veteran who most recently served as vice president of rooms operations.  
• Whitney Flores will serve as White Lodging’s vice president of rooms operations, taking over for Ransone. Flores joined White Lodging in 2014 and most recently served as director of rooms operations. She is responsible for execution and process improvement across all front office and housekeeping operations, including all new hotel openings.  

White Lodging, established in 1985, is hospitality and development firm, which manages more than 90 hotels and 40 restaurants around the country.