Dave Jones has over 35 years experience in the hospitality industry and joined SHG as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2002. From 1998 until joining SHG, Mr. Jones was President & Chief Executive Officer of Gaylord Entertainment Company's Opryland Hospitality Group (OHG), a Nashville based owner, manager and developer of large resort and convention centers.

Prior to OHG, Mr. Jones was President & Chief Operating Officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels from 1993 to 1998. John Q. Hammons Hotels (JQH) is a leading independent owner, manager and developer of affordable upscale hotels in secondary, tertiary and airport market areas. During this time Mr. Jones led JQH through its initial public offering in 1994.

Prior to joining JQH in 1993 Mr. Jones was President and CEO of Davidson Hotel Partnership, a Memphis based hotel management company, President and CEO of Homewood Suites, Inc., an extended-stay hotel chain that he started for The Promus Companies and held numerous positions with Holiday Inns, Inc. including Senior Vice President of the Franchise Division and Senior Vice President Operations. Mr. Jones began his career in 1966 with Holiday Inns, Inc. He is a former board member of the American Hotel and Motel Association and the Educational Institute. He was chosen by Lodging Magazine, the management magazine of the American Hotel and Motel Association, for it first-ever 'Top 75 Profiles in Leadership' list for the year 2000.