Extended Stay America Names Gerardo Lopez CEO

(RTTNews) - Extended Stay America, Inc. (STAY) and its paired-share REIT, ESH Hospitality, Inc., said Tuesday that they have appointed Gerardo Lopez to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of both companies, effective August 24.

Concurrently with the appointment of Lopez, the company's current President and CEO, Jim Donald, will transition to the role of Senior Advisor through December 31.

Lopez, 56, most recently has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. Prior to joining AMC, Lopez served in a variety of senior and executive roles at Starbucks Corp. (SBUX), Handleman Co., and PepsiCo Inc. (PEP). Lopez serves on the board of directors of Brinker International (EAT).