Glade M. Knight, founder/executive chairman of Apple Hospitality REIT Inc. received the Hunter Conference Award for Excellence and Inspiration at the Hunter Conference in Atlanta.
Presented annually, the award honors an industry leader whose career reflects visionary leadership, lasting industry impact and a commitment to service, education and community.
Over more than 25 years in lodging and real estate investment, Knight has consistently been at the forefront of building, scaling and refining the modern hotel REIT model. As founder of Apple Hospitality REIT, one of the nation’s largest owners of upscale, rooms-focused hotels, he established a platform distinguished by disciplined growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
“I am tremendously honored and humbled to receive this award from Hunter,” said Knight. “When I founded our first hospitality REIT in 1999, I could never have imagined where Apple Hospitality REIT would be today. Throughout our 26-year history in the lodging industry, through the ownership of high-quality hotels, our team has been committed to increasing shareholder value, empowering our employees, supporting hotel associates and caring for our guests while redefining what it means to be a true partner in hospitality. I am incredibly grateful for the collaboration, dedication, passion and hard work of our teams and for everyone who has been a part of this journey with me and with Apple Hospitality REIT. Travel connects us, inspires us and has the power to bring people together in meaningful ways. I am honored to have played a role in the evolution and success of this dynamic industry and look forward to hospitality’s exciting future.”
Prior to Apple Hospitality REIT, Knight founded each of the former Apple REIT companies, serving as chairman/CEO from inception through sale or merger. He also served as chairman/CEO of Cornerstone Realty Income Trust Inc., guiding the company until its merger with Colonial Properties Trust in 2005 and later served as a trustee following the merger. Beyond hospitality and real estate, Knight is a partner and CEO of Energy 11 GP LLC, and Energy Resources 12 GP LLC, with investments in the oil and gas sector.
Knight’s influence extends beyond business. He is the founding chairman of Southern Virginia University and a founding member of Brigham Young University’s Entrepreneurial Department within the Graduate School of Business Management—demonstrating a long-standing commitment to education, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
“Glade Knight’s career exemplifies what this award was created to recognize,” said Lee Hunter, chairman, Hunter Conference. “His vision, discipline and integrity have left an enduring mark on the hospitality investment community. Beyond his business success, Glade has consistently invested in people—through education, mentorship and service. He embodies excellence and inspiration in the truest sense.”
