Bruce White
Mr. White is the founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of White Lodging, a fully integrated developer, owner and manager of premium brand hotels. It is a recognized industry leader that consistently delivers superior leading brand hotel experiences and premium returns on investment. In its 30 years, the company’s managed portfolio has grown to more than 170 mid- to large-scale hotels in 21 states. In 2006, Mr. White was the catalyst on a $1.7 billion hotel portfolio sale to RLJ Development, enabling him and his ownership partners to monetize their value in 99 hotels. This milestone transaction included long-term management contracts to ensure the stability of the organization and create a platform for dynamic growth. The company currently employs more than 9,000 associates who deliver industry leading results for affiliated hotel company brand partners, including Marriott International, Inc.; Hyatt Global; Hilton Worldwide; InterContinental Hotel Group; and Preferred Hotels.
Mr. White is an active and highly-respected leader and advocate of numerous hospitality, business and civic organizations. Most recently, he was a finalist for HOTEL Magazine’s Global “Corporate Hotelier of the Year” and was a member of the inaugural class inducted into the Purdue University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Hall of Fame. Mr. White was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Purdue University in 2011 where he served through early 2015. Additionally, he was recognized with the IHLA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hunter Hotel Developer Award for Excellence & Inspiration and, along with his family, the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership award.
He serves on the Starwood North America Owners Advisory Council, is past charter president of the Courtyard by Marriott Advisory Board; a member of the Residence Inn by Marriott Association Board of Directors; and a charter member of Renaissance Hotels Advisory Board. Mr. White’s board of director involvement also includes The Chicago Economic Club, Chicago Big Shoulders, Merrick Ventures and on the advisory board for the Terlato Wine Group. He is member of World Presidents’ Organization (WPO) and is a previous past member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). Additionally, Mr. White served on the governing board of the University of Chicago Hospitals and was a charter board member of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. He is a graduate of Purdue University, the Harvard Graduate School of Business O.P.M. Program and is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales.