Hammons Hotels president steps down

Lou Weckstein, president of the Springfield-based company, will move into a consultant role, managing the 62-hotel portfolio and making speaking engagements and appearances on behalf of the company. He is moving to Phoenix, Ariz., where he has family.

Weckstein, 68, was responsible for the company’s overall strategic direction since 2001 and was considered Hammons’ “operational conscience out there in the hotel/hospitality world,” said Scott Tarwater, senior vice president for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.

“He and Mr. Hammons had a great partnership,” Tarwater added. “Mr. Hammons would develop them and Lou would manage them.”

Joe Morrissey, formerly regional vice president of operations, is assuming Weckstein's operational duties. He was named senior vice president of operations and will report directly to John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and CEO.

During Weckstein's tenure, Hammons Hotels stock (Amex: JQH) grew from about $3.75 a share to the $24 it concluded at on Sept. 30, when a merger took effect and the public entity became Atrium LLC. Atrium is a partner in 42 of Hammons Hotels’ properties.

"We thank Lou for his valuable contributions to John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts,” Hammons said in a news release. “With nearly five decades of hotel industry experience, he has the unique gift for conducting profitable business operations that build brands and positively impact the bottom line. The company has truly excelled under Lou's leadership.”

Prior to joining Hammons Hotels in fall 2001, Weckstein’s hospitality industry résumé included positions as senior vice president of hotel operations at Windsor Capital Group; vice president of operations for Embassy Suites Hotels Inc.; vice president of operations for Ramada Inns Inc.; and vice president of operations for Sheraton Inns Inc.

Weckstein was unavailable for comment.