IRVINE, Calif. | R.D. Olson Construction, a leading builder of resorts, hotels and restaurants, announced today that industry veteran J. Lofton Moore has joined the company as president. He will take the place of Joe Kilar, who has left –for Dubai-based Emmar Development to become the chief operations officer of King Abdul, Economic City in Saudi Arabia.

Moore, who was vice president of operations at Rudolph & Sletten, makes his debut at R.D. Olson, a $140 million Irvine-based company, as it enjoys ongoing relationships with such giants as Marriott International, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Morton’s the Steakhouse and Benihana.

In assuming the role of president, Moore will oversee all aspects of operations of the 175-person firm to include oversight of operations, contract negotiations and marketing. Moore will work with the corporate team in providing strategic vision and direction for the company.

“Lofton Moore is highly regarded within industry circles for his far reaching range of talent from successful business negotiations to overseeing construction of some of the California’s most prominent facilities,” said CEO/founder of R.D. Olson Construction Robert Olson. “He is in tune with the direction of various industry markets, which is crucial to foreseeing new opportunities for our company.”

In his 30-year career in construction, Moore is credited with managing many large complex projects including the $450 million patient tower at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles; the 340,000-square foot replacement hospital for the City of Hope; a recent expansion of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital; and several California State University facilities. As a one-of-a-kind project, he oversaw construction of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center—a 1300-seat concert hall that is known for its unique design and outstanding acoustics.

Moore is a graduate of Auburn University in Alabama. He resides in Yorba Linda, Calif.