DALLAS, TX – OpenKey, the industry standard for universal Digital Key in hotels, today announced that Stephen Bodnar has joined the company as its new Chief Executive Officer. OpenKey’s former CEO, Ron Owens, will continue to serve the company as he takes on the role of Head of Operations. The decision to bring Mr. Bodnar on board was made to aid in OpenKey’s ongoing growth in the hospitality market, both domestically and internationally. In his new role as OpenKey CEO, Bodnar will facilitate further expansion opportunities and guide the company in the implementation of Digital Key technology in hotels around the world.
Bodnar, who has more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive, leading high-growth software companies, most recently served as SVP of Enterprise MultiFamily Solutions at RealPage, where he led five of the company’s SaaS and service businesses. Prior to RealPage, he served as an executive leader, guiding growth efforts at multiple companies. His résumé includes positions at Hilti, Kenesto Corp., Autodesk, and MSC Software, among others. His record of success reaches back to 1996, when he co-founded auxilium, Inc., which was acquired in 1998 by Parametric Technology Corporation.
“As OpenKey makes bold strides across the country and around the world, Stephen’s experience leading small and large corporations through accelerated growth phases makes him the right person to lead OpenKey at this time.” Ron Owens said. “My rapport with Stephen was immediate, and I look forward to working with him as he guides our organization to the next level.”
“I am excited to join the team at OpenKey,” Bodnar remarked. “Digital Key represents a lot of truly impressive technology, developed by some of the most creative and intelligent minds in the hospitality tech industry. I look forward to working with Ron and the team to bring Digital Key to hotels around the world.”
About Openkey
OpenKey powers digital key access for hotels worldwide. Beginning in 2014, we set out to perfect mobile hospitality access. Since then, our team has helped hotels and resorts around the world develop a contactless guest experience benefitting our customers as much as their delighted guests. OpenKey”s platform enables a seamless transition to contactless guest services with Digital Key entry, hotel-specific apps, and much more, to complete a tailored mobile check-in and stay experience. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. For more information, please visit www.openkey.co.
OpenKey, Inc. is majority owned by Ashford Inc. (NYSE American: AINC), Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) and Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: BHR) (collectively, the “Parent Companies”). Certain statements and assumptions in this press release contain or are based upon “forward-looking” information and are being made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements about OpenKey”s growth, expansion opportunities and implementation of Digital Key technology. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements are also subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control.
These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation: the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including the resurgence of cases relating to the spread of the Delta, Omicron or other potential variants, that could cause state and local governments to reinstate travel restrictions and the rate of adoption and efficacy of vaccines to prevent COVID-19, on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations; our ability to continue as a going concern; our understanding of our competition; market trends; projected capital expenditures; the impact of technology on our operations and business; general volatility of the capital markets; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; changes in our industry and the markets in which we operate, interest rates or the general economy; and the degree and nature of our competition. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in the Parent Companies” filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently known to us. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations can change as a result of many potential events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and other objectives may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider this risk when you make an investment decision concerning the Parent Companies” securities. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that these forward-looking statements will be attained or that any deviation will not occur. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, changes in expectations, or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.
