Rob Rain appointed as CEO of OTO Development, set to enhance operational efficiencies and profitability while continuing to elevate guest experiences.
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA – Rob Rain, previously the President of the Industrial Division at Johnson Development Associates, has joined OTO Development as Chief Executive Officer.
OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, is a private company that develops, owns, and operates select-service and lifestyle hotels throughout the continental United States, many with proprietary restaurant concepts. As chief executive, Rain will oversee strategic initiatives designed to drive growth across OTO’s industry-leading portfolio, with an emphasis on increasing efficiency and maximizing profitability while continuing to elevate the guest experience. Rain is carrying on the legacy of OTO’s former CEOs: the late Corry Oakes, who led the company for its first 18 years, and Todd Turner, who recently retired.
“Rob understands OTO’s culture, and we are excited about the company’s prospects under his leadership,” says Geordy Johnson, CEO of The Johnson Group. Rain has worked with The Johnson Group family of companies for more than a decade, initially working in private equity with WJ Partners. In 2014, he was named President of the Industrial Division at Johnson Development Associates where, over the course of 10 years, he grew the platform into one of the country’s largest private developers of warehouse space.
A decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Rain spent four years as an infantry officer before beginning his private sector career. During tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, his leadership and heroism in combat merited a Bronze Star with Valor.
“It’s a privilege to take on this new role within The Johnson Group,” says Rain, who graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University and also earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. “My predecessors built a resilient, successful company. I’m excited by the opportunity to work alongside OTO’s 2,700 team members to continue to build upon OTO’s legacy and successful track record.”
As OTO Development’s new CEO, Rain will be based out of the company’s corporate headquarters in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina. Away from work, Rain stays busy with family life while raising four children with his wife, Dargan. He is also committed to community service, currently sitting his second term on the Spartanburg City Council and serving as an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
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