Loews Corporation chairman Jonathan Tisch has announced Paul Whetsell will join Loews Hotels as chief executive on January 17th.

He succeeds Jack Adler, who is retiring from the company.

Whetsell, who holds a bachelor of arts from Davidson College, has more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. 

Most recently he served as a member of the board of directors of Virgin Hotels, providing strategic guidance in its operations and property acquisition activities. 

In 1987 he founded the original CapStar Hotel Company, which became one of the largest owners in the industry with over 110 hotels and $3 billion in assets. 

In 1998, CapStar was divided into Meristar Hospitality Corporation and Meristar Hotels and Resorts, which became Interstate Hotels & Resorts in 2002.

Whetsell served as chairman and chief executive of Meristar Hospitality Corporation until the company was sold in 2006.

He served as chairman and chief executive of Interstate Hotels & Resorts until 2003, remaining chairman until 2009.

“With Paul’s tenure and experience in the industry, and now in his role as our new president and chief executive, we will continue to operate the unique properties in our portfolio, while also looking for additions to the company through acquisition, development and management,” concluded Tisch.