Leslie D. Hale is the President and CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust, a position she has held since August 2018 after being appointed from her role as Chief Operating Officer. Her journey in the company began in 2013 as the...

Leslie D. Hale is the President and CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust, a position she has held since August 2018 after being appointed from her role as Chief Operating Officer. Her journey in the company began in 2013 as the Chief Financial Officer, showcasing her experience and expertise in finance. Leslie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, making her education a key part of her leadership. She has been involved in major decisions that drive the company’s performance, evidenced by her compensation, which reached $9.2 million in 2023, reflecting her success in leading the team. Leslie served as a board member for Macy’s Inc. since 2015 and is an influential figure in both the hospitality and finance sectors. Notably, her employment agreements often include generous severance terms, indicating the board's confidence in her leadership capabilities. Leslie is not just a leader but also a pioneer for women in business, proving that with ambition and skill, one can climb to the top and make a significant impact in a competitive industry.