CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Extended Stay America today announced that Jonathan Halkyard will join the Company as Chief Operating Officer effective September 30, 2013. Mr. Halkyard will be responsible for hotel operations, purchasing, loss prevention and facilities.?As we continue to refresh and energize this leading hospitality brand, Jonathan?s background and experience will be invaluable in that process.?
?Jonathan is a seasoned executive with extensive finance, operations and hospitality industry experience and will add additional depth and vision to our Executive Leadership Team,? said Jim Donald, Chief Executive Officer, Extended Stay America. ?As we continue to refresh and energize this leading hospitality brand, Jonathan?s background and experience will be invaluable in that process.?
Mr. Halkyard most recently was with NV Energy in Las Vegas where he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to his recent position, he worked for 13 years at Caesars Entertainment Corporation where he served as Executive Vice President and CFO after holding a number of operational and financial positions.
Mr. Halkyard holds an MBA from Harvard University and a BA from Colgate University. He is also very active in community and charitable organizations in the Las Vegas area and will play an important role in the Company?s ?Caring for the Community? initiatives.