OTG Taps Veteran Charles Macon as CFO to Pilot Financial Growth

NEW YORK, NY – January 28, 2026 – On The Go (OTG), a prominent operator of tech-enabled dining experiences in North American airports, has appointed Charles Macon as its new Chief Financial Officer. The move signals a strategic push to fortify the company's financial infrastructure as it embarks on an ambitious new chapter of growth, backed by a consortium of powerful private equity firms.

Macon, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in hospitality and private-equity-backed ventures, steps into the role at a critical juncture for the company. His appointment comes on the heels of Matt King taking the helm as CEO, indicating a broader leadership refresh designed to accelerate performance and expand OTG's footprint in the highly competitive airport concessions market.

"Charles is a proven financial leader and operating partner," said Matt King, Chief Executive Officer of On The Go, in a statement. "He brings strong financial discipline, a practical approach to decision-making, and a deep understanding of how finance can enable the business. Charles will be instrumental in strengthening our performance culture and supporting the company's continued growth."

A New Financial Architect for Aggressive Expansion

Charles Macon's extensive resume makes him uniquely suited for the challenges and opportunities facing OTG. Before joining the airport hospitality leader, he served as CEO for the Americas at L+R Hotels and previously held the CFO and Senior Vice President titles at Blackstone Real Estate Hotels & Resorts. His deep roots in the hospitality finance sector also include a significant tenure at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, where he was a Vice President overseeing the Specialty Select Brands division. This background, combining operational leadership with high-level financial stewardship at major hotel and real estate investment firms, provides him with a comprehensive view of the multi-unit hospitality landscape.

This experience will be crucial as he navigates OTG's strategic objectives, which are heavily influenced by its ownership. The company is principally backed by investment funds from Duration Capital Partners, Centerbridge Partners, and Oaktree Capital Management. This trio of private equity giants brings a clear mandate for value creation, operational efficiency, and aggressive, yet disciplined, growth. Duration Capital Partners, which spun off from Oaktree, specializes in consumer businesses and employs a hands-on approach to building value. Meanwhile, Centerbridge Partners brings a multi-faceted strategy across private equity and real estate, and Oaktree is renowned for its value-oriented investment philosophy.

The collective expertise of these backers suggests a long-term strategy that could involve significant expansion, potential acquisitions, and ultimately a major liquidity event, such as a strategic sale or public offering. Macon's appointment is a clear signal that OTG is building the sophisticated financial framework necessary to execute such a plan.

In his new role, Macon will oversee the company's entire financial strategy, from planning and analysis to capital management. He acknowledged the timing of his arrival, stating, "I'm excited to join On The Go at such a pivotal moment for the business. I look forward to partnering with the entire team to build the financial infrastructure, insights, and discipline needed to support On The Go's mission and future ambitions."

Beyond the Balance Sheet: Fueling Innovation in Airport Dining

While the CFO role is rooted in numbers, Macon's impact is expected to be felt directly in the airport terminal. A robust financial strategy is the engine that powers innovation, and OTG has positioned itself as a leader in transforming the often-mundane experience of airport dining. The company has moved beyond traditional food courts to create tech-forward, high-quality culinary concepts, a mission that requires significant and well-managed capital investment.

OTG currently operates over 350 locations in major U.S. airports, and its recent growth has been aggressive, reportedly winning every Request for Proposal (RFP) it submitted last year. This expansion includes innovative concepts like the "Farm-To-Terminal" dining experiences set to open in Denver International Airport and new transforming dining concepts at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. These projects require sophisticated financial planning to manage construction, sourcing, and technology integration within the complex, highly regulated airport environment.

Technology is a core component of the OTG model. The company utilizes a hybrid ordering system, allowing travelers to use QR codes for self-service ordering and payment or interact with servers equipped with iPads. Behind the scenes, OTG is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze guest preferences and buying patterns, enabling personalized recommendations and optimizing inventory. Macon's financial oversight will be critical in directing capital toward these technologies, ensuring a strong return on investment that enhances both operational efficiency and the passenger experience.

This focus aligns with a broader industry shift where airport food and beverage is no longer a mere necessity but a key part of the travel journey. With over 60% of younger travelers associating airport quality with its dining options, a strong financial leader like Macon is essential to ensuring OTG can continue to fund the innovation needed to meet and exceed these evolving expectations.

Navigating a Competitive and Evolving Airspace

The North American airport concessions market is a dynamic and fiercely competitive field. OTG, with an estimated annual revenue of $920.8 million, is a major player but faces formidable competitors like Paradies Lagardère, which boasts over $1.6 billion in annual sales, as well as other established operators like HMSHost and SSP Group. Success in this environment requires not only an appealing customer offering but also sharp operational and financial acumen.

Macon joins a company that is navigating the tailwinds of a post-pandemic travel boom, with passenger traffic reaching record highs. However, the industry also faces challenges, including persistent labor market pressures, economic uncertainties affecting traveler spending, and the logistical complexities of operating in a 24/7 airport environment. His expertise in financial transformation and sustainable growth will be pivotal in steering OTG through these complexities.

By strengthening financial discipline, Macon can help optimize supply chains, manage labor costs effectively, and ensure that OTG's aggressive expansion is profitable. His leadership will be key to maintaining the company's competitive edge, allowing it to continue investing in the high-quality service and technology that differentiate it from competitors. The appointment of a CFO with Macon's caliber underscores OTG's commitment to not just participating in the airport hospitality market, but leading it through a combination of strategic vision and financial strength.