OTO Development names new CEO

SPARTANBURG, South Carolina – Rob Rain, previously president of the Industrial Division at Johnson Development Associates, has joined OTO Development as chief executive offer to oversee strategic initiatives designed to drive growth, increase efficiencies and maximize profitability.

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. It currently own and/or manage 57 branded hotels with approximately 9,500 keys.

In February, OTO Development announced plans to develop a 170-room AC by Marriott hotel in Garden City, Long Island, New York. The $75.6 million project will bring a four-story, 103,600-square-foot hotel on 1.65 acres, according to the developer’s application.

OTO plans to begin construction in December and expects to open for business in fall 2026. OTO is reportedly seeking economic incentives from the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency., including sales and mortgage tax exemptions and a 20-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement.

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,” said 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,” said 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.”