John Belden, President and Chief Executive Officer, joined the company in 1989. Previously, John led the Business Development team during a period of unprecedented growth for the company, overseeing new management, acquisition and development opportunities for the company, as well as asset management and asset disposition responsibilities. Prior to Davidson, John served on the Concept Development team for Homewood Suites and later became its Director of Development – Western Region. John also worked in the Development and Market Planning Division of Holiday Corporation providing development services primarily to the Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn systems. Previous to Holiday Corporation, John worked in the Franchise/Development area of The Residence Inn Company and started his hospitality career as a hotel consultant at Laventhol and Horwath.

John is currently serving on the Hilton Owner’s Advisory Council, the Doubletree Advisory Council and the Starwood North American Owner Advisory Board. He is also an Appointed Director of the HRI School at Michigan State University.

John obtained a degree from the Business College at Michigan State University with an emphasis in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.