Merrillville-based White Lodging appointed Conner White vice chair and chief investment officer.

White is the eldest son of White Lodging chair Beth White and late company founder Bruce White.

Jean-Luc Barone will continue serving as White Lodging’s CEO.

“Conner and Jean-Luc's collaboration has been critical in navigating the various business challenges and opportunities of the last two years, including financing availability, increased costs and muted industry growth,” Beth White said in press release.

Conner White was involved in the development of White Lodging’s two newest properties in San Antonio, Texas. In late 2024, he secured the final details for the company’s thirteenth hotel in Austin, Texas. He also helped launch the development of White Lodging’s second hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Barone said there’s not a better fit for the role than Conner White.

“Conner has a vision and passion for the hospitality industry that mirrors his father’s, and I am thrilled to be alongside him as we push White Lodging to maintain our reputation as an industry leader,” Barone said.

Conner White has worked for White Lodging for more than 15 years. He has held a variety of leadership roles across operations, real estate and new property development. Outside of White Lodging, he served in roles supporting the expansion of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group in Chicago and Dunkin Donuts in China. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Indiana University. He also earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

“I am thrilled to lead the next generation of White Lodging family leadership in service of our guests, associates and owners,” Conner White said.

White Lodging has developed more than 210 new hotels since its founding in 1985. The company’s portfolio consists of 60 hotels, 50 restaurants, 10 rooftop bars and a collection of luxury ranches.