# Justin Knight

> Justin G. Knight is the Richmond-based chief executive officer and a director of Apple Hospitality REIT. He joined the Apple REIT Companies in 2000, became CEO in May 2014 and leads a hotel investment business centered on rooms-focused properties, recognizable brands, geographic diversification and financial flexibility.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer and Director at Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.
- **Organizations:** Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc., American Hotel & Lodging Association, Marriott Owners Advisory Council, Residence Inn Association Board, BYU Marriott School National Advisory Council, Venture Richmond, The Doorways
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, Brigham Young University, MBA, emphasis in Corporate Strategy and Finance, Brigham Young University, Marriott School of Business
- **Known for:** Chief Executive Officer of Apple Hospitality REIT since May 2014., Chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association board in 2022., Led the company during its May 2015 NYSE listing.

## Career timeline

- **1996-1998** — Senior asset manager and director of quality control at Cornerstone Realty Income Trust.
- **Before 2000** — Worked in web design before joining the Apple REIT Companies; worked shifts at an Apple Suites-owned Homewood Suites near Salt Lake City during graduate school.
- **2000** — Joined the Apple REIT Companies.
- **2010** — Joined the BYU Marriott School National Advisory Council.
- **2014-05** — Became Chief Executive Officer of Apple Hospitality REIT.
- **2015-01** — Joined the Apple Hospitality REIT board of directors.
- **2015-05** — Led Apple Hospitality REIT as it listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
- **2020-03** — Concluded service as President of Apple Hospitality REIT, continuing as CEO.
- **2022** — Chaired the American Hotel & Lodging Association board.
- **2025-05** — Participated in the NYSE opening-bell celebration marking ten years since listing.

## Achievements

- Chief Executive Officer of Apple Hospitality REIT since May 2014.
- Chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association board in 2022.
- Led the company during its May 2015 NYSE listing.
- Recognized in the Virginia Business 2026 hospitality and tourism leadership list.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Apple Hospitality reported second-quarter comparable-hotel RevPAR growth of 5.3%; its announced portfolio consisted of 216 hotels and about 29,500 rooms in 37 states and Washington, D.C.
- **2026-08** — Virginia Business included Knight in its 2026 hospitality and tourism leadership list.
- **2026-07** — In a published REITweek interview, Knight described stronger demand across leisure, business transient and group segments, and highlighted forward bookings as an important indicator.

## Links

- Website: https://applehospitalityreit.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingknight

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/justin-knight
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22