First Hospitality appoints Dave Montrose as chief operating officer. Montrose joins the company with more than 30 years of hospitality operations and leadership experience and is recognized for driving strategic results, strengthening property performance, and guiding teams through organizational growth.
As COO, Montrose will oversee all operational aspects of First Hospitality to ensure efficiency, profitability, and exceptional guest experiences across all properties. He will also provide leadership to the operations, commercial strategy, people services, accounting, and IT teams, and will 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,” President and CEO David Duncan said in a statement. “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 deep operating experience with branded, full-service, independent, and ultra-luxury resorts, as well as premium select-service hotels throughout the U.S. He has successfully 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 award winning all-inclusive luxury resort.
Most recently, Montrose led InnVentures, a standalone operating company of more than 85+ hotels affiliated with Highgate.