First Hospitality has appointed Dave Montrose as chief operating officer, who joins the company with more than 30 years of hospitality operations and leadership experience.
As COO, Montrose will oversee all operational aspects of First Hospitality and provide leadership to the operations, commercial strategy, people services, accounting and IT teams, as well as directly manage and mentor senior leadership to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
“Dave’s extensive background in operations, paired with his strategic mindset and commitment to developing high-performing teams, makes him a great addition to our executive team,” said David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality. “His dedication of inspiring innovation, delivering measurable results, and cultivating strong owner and brand relationships will be vital as we continue to scale our portfolio.”
Montrose brings a wealth of operating experience with branded, full-service, independent and ultra-luxury resorts, as well as premium select-service hotels throughout the U.S. He has programmed, launched and opened properties in markets including Austin, Nashville and Indianapolis, among others.
Montrose also has extensive experience managing large portfolios and teams, including his role as executive vice president and division leader at Highgate Hotels. He also served as COO of a division of White Lodging and held an executive leadership role at Brush Creek Ranch, an all-inclusive luxury resort. Most recently, Montrose led InnVentures, a standalone operating company of more than 85+ hotels affiliated with Highgate.
Founded 40 years ago, First Hospitality is a development, investment and third-party operating company with a portfolio of branded and independent properties throughout the United States.
