RLJ Lodging Trust announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Ross H. Bierkan will retire from the company, effective at the end of the term of his existing employment agreement on August 22, 2018. In alignment with the Board's executive succession planning, the Board of Trustees has named Leslie D. Hale as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 22, 2018. Mr. Bierkan will not stand for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting, and Ms. Hale will be nominated for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Ms. Hale currently serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Company is working with an executive search firm and will make announcements with respect to the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in the near term.