Monty Bennett is a well-known hotel magnate from Dallas, Texas. Through his companies, Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels and Resorts, he oversees the management and operation of more than 100 hotels across the United States. His journey in the hotel industry began in the late 1960s, and he has since grown the family business from six hotels to over 130. His portfolio includes 13 resort properties in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A graduate of Cornell University, Bennett grew up in Houston as one of seven siblings. He now divides his time between Dallas and Athens, Texas, where he has lived for over 30 years with his growing family.
Bennett is the chairman and founder of Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust, which he established to focus on upscale, full-service hotel investments. Under his leadership, Braemar has expanded to include 13 properties, including the prestigious Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas and Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. The company follows principles of ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity.

Ashford Hospitality Trust, which Bennett founded in 2003 and took public in 2013, has over 110 properties, including landmark locations like The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. His approach to managing these assets has been shaped by decades of experience navigating various hotel cycles and a disciplined focus on value-added asset management.

In addition to his hotel ventures, Bennett founded Ashford, Inc. in 2014 to serve as an adviser for both Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust. The company also offers global asset management and investment services to various operating businesses, with a dedicated Hospitality Products and Services department that supports growth in the hospitality sector.

Bennett holds a bachelor's degree in Hotel Administration and a master's in Business Administration from Cornell University. He is a lifelong member of the Cornell Hotel Society. He has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, excelling in hotel real estate, finance, operations, development, and asset management.

Outside his business endeavors, Bennett is deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting over 100 charitable organizations. His charitable work focuses heavily on children's causes, educational equality, and community development. He has supported organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

In his personal life, Monty Bennett enjoys a variety of hobbies, including exercising, reading, and game management. He takes pride in spending time with his family at their 1,500-acre ranch in East Texas, a property that has been in the family for three generations. He continues to be a committed businessman, philanthropist, and family man, dedicated to making a positive impact professionally and personally.