BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RLJ Lodging Trust (NYSE:RLJ) today announced that Thomas J. Bardenett will be joining the Company as Executive Vice President, Asset Management, effective September 25, 2017. Mr. Bardenett will report directly to Leslie D. Hale, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

“Tom is a highly-respected and accomplished industry veteran, and we are excited to have him join RLJ’s senior team,” commented Ross H. Bierkan, President and Chief Executive Officer of RLJ Lodging Trust. “Tom’s extensive expertise across all facets of the operating business will further elevate the strength of our asset management group and will be instrumental in maximizing the operational performance of our expanded platform.”

Most recently, Mr. Bardenett served as Chief Operating Officer at Extended Stay America. Prior to that, Mr. Bardenett served in multiple leadership roles at Crossroads Hospitality, the operations arm of Interstate Hotels & Resorts, including Executive Vice President of Operations and President, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Regional Director of Sales, and Regional Director of Operations.

About Us

RLJ Lodging Trust is a self-advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust focused on acquiring premium-branded, focused-service and compact full-service hotels. The Company’s portfolio consists of 158 hotels with approximately 31,180 rooms located in 26 states and the District of Columbia and an ownership interest in one unconsolidated hotel with 171 rooms.