Mike PleningerChairman & Co-Founder, Newport Hospitality Group
📧 mlp@nhghotels.com
🌐 Newport Hospitality Group
Newport Hospitality Group represents the culmination of Mike Pleninger’s 50-plus years of success in all phases of hotel management. In 1990, he co-founded Newport Hospitality Group alongside his long-time friend and partner, the late Bill Carey (1944-2024). Under their leadership, Newport quickly gained a reputation for delivering operational and marketing turnarounds for both branded and independent hotel properties.
Mike’s extensive experience is reflected in NHG’s comprehensive management approach, which combines holistic operational reviews, innovative marketing, and a steadfast commitment to quality. This formula has consistently yielded exceptional financial returns and earned recognition and numerous awards from franchisors.
Mike’s career began at Sonesta International, where he worked in key operational roles for a decade, including Washington Regional Manager for its motor hotel division. He then expanded his expertise through leadership roles at Omni Hotels (then Dunfey Hotels), Registry Hotels, and Holiday Inns, where he oversaw development and operations for 130 franchised properties.
Before founding NHG, Mike served as Senior Vice President and part-owner of Victor Management Company in Newport News, Virginia, where he grew the company’s portfolio to 23 hotels while overseeing development, operations, and finance.
A graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (now part of the SC Johnson College of Business), Mike was honored in 2002 with induction into the school’s Wall of Fame, recognizing his lasting contributions to the hospitality industry.
