Chairman of DiamondRock Hospitality Retires After 47 Years
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 hours ago
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Should l Buy DRH?
Source: Newsfilter
- Chairman Retirement: William W. McCarten will retire at the end of the 2026 Annual Meeting on April 29, concluding a distinguished 47-year career at DiamondRock Hospitality, marking a significant leadership transition for the company.
- Board Restructuring: Following McCarten's retirement, Bruce D. Wardinski will assume the role of non-executive Chairman, reducing the Board size from nine to eight members, which may impact the agility and efficiency of company decision-making.
- Leadership Impact: McCarten's 22-year tenure as Chairman has been pivotal, with his leadership and passion for hospitality shaping the company's trajectory, presenting future leaders with the challenge of sustaining growth momentum.
- Company Overview: DiamondRock Hospitality is a self-advised REIT owning 35 premium hotels and resorts with approximately 9,600 rooms, strategically positioned in leisure destinations and major markets, aiming to continue creating long-term value for shareholders.
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Analyst Views on DRH
Wall Street analysts forecast DRH stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 10.020
Low
9.00
Averages
10.28
High
12.00
Current: 10.020
Low
9.00
Averages
10.28
High
12.00
About DRH
DiamondRock Hospitality Company is a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company owns a portfolio of geographically diversified hotels concentrated in leisure destinations and gateway markets. Its hotels are owned by subsidiaries of its operating partnership, DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership. Its primary business is to acquire, own, renovate and asset manage hotel properties in the United States. The Company's hotel properties include Chico Hot Springs Resort, Lake Austin Spa Resort, Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Tranquility Bay, Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Henderson Beach Resort, Henderson Park Inn, Cavallo Point, Kimpton Palomar Phoenix, L'auberge De Sedona, Orchards Inn, Westin San Diego, and Havana Cabana, among others. It owns over 36 hotels and resorts with approximately 9,600 rooms. The Company has positioned its portfolio to be operated both under global brand families as well as independent boutique hotels in the lifestyle segment.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Chairman Retirement: William W. McCarten will retire at the adjournment of the 2026 Annual Meeting on April 29, marking the end of a distinguished 47-year career in hospitality and a significant leadership transition for the company.
- Board Restructuring: McCarten's retirement will reduce the Board from nine to eight members, with Bruce D. Wardinski stepping in as non-executive Chairman, ensuring continuity and stability in corporate governance.
- Leadership Impact: Over his 22 years as Chairman, McCarten's exceptional leadership and industry insights have successfully guided the company through a dynamic operating environment, shaping DiamondRock into its current form.
- Company Overview: DiamondRock Hospitality Company is a self-advised REIT that owns 35 premium hotels and resorts with approximately 9,600 rooms, strategically positioned in leisure destinations and major markets to create long-term value for shareholders.
See More
- Chairman Retirement: William W. McCarten will retire at the end of the 2026 Annual Meeting on April 29, concluding a distinguished 47-year career at DiamondRock Hospitality, marking a significant leadership transition for the company.
- Board Restructuring: Following McCarten's retirement, Bruce D. Wardinski will assume the role of non-executive Chairman, reducing the Board size from nine to eight members, which may impact the agility and efficiency of company decision-making.
- Leadership Impact: McCarten's 22-year tenure as Chairman has been pivotal, with his leadership and passion for hospitality shaping the company's trajectory, presenting future leaders with the challenge of sustaining growth momentum.
- Company Overview: DiamondRock Hospitality is a self-advised REIT owning 35 premium hotels and resorts with approximately 9,600 rooms, strategically positioned in leisure destinations and major markets, aiming to continue creating long-term value for shareholders.
See More
- Small-Cap Stocks Performance: Small-cap stocks have started 2026 with strong momentum, indicating a positive trend in the market.
- Market Potential: Many of these companies are positioned to outperform the market, suggesting that the rally could continue.
See More
- Dividend Distribution Overview: DiamondRock Hospitality announced the 2025 distribution details for common and Series A preferred stock, including four distributions of $0.08 per common share and $0.515625 per preferred share, demonstrating the company's ongoing cash flow and shareholder return capabilities.
- Distribution Schedule: The record dates for common stock distributions are March 28, June 30, September 30, and December 31, while preferred stock record dates are March 20, June 20, September 19, and December 19, ensuring timely returns for shareholders.
- Tax Advisory: The company encourages shareholders to consult their personal tax advisors regarding specific tax treatment, reflecting its commitment to shareholder interests and compliance.
- Company Overview: DiamondRock Hospitality is a self-advised REIT owning 35 premium hotels and resorts with approximately 9,600 rooms, strategically positioned in leisure destinations and top gateway markets, enhancing its competitive edge.
See More
- Dividend Distribution Details: DiamondRock Hospitality Company announced its 2025 distributions for common and Series A preferred stock, with common stock receiving $0.08 per share and preferred stock $0.515625 per share, reflecting the company's ongoing cash flow and shareholder return capabilities.
- Distribution Schedule: The distribution dates for common stock are April 11, July 11, October 14, and January 14, while preferred stock distributions are scheduled for March 28, June 30, September 30, and December 31, ensuring timely returns for shareholders and enhancing investor confidence.
- Tax Advisory: The company encourages shareholders to consult their personal tax advisors regarding specific tax treatment, indicating a commitment to shareholder interests and aiming to mitigate potential tax issues.
- Company Overview: As a self-advised real estate investment trust, DiamondRock Hospitality owns 35 premium hotels and resorts with approximately 9,600 rooms, strategically positioned in leisure destinations and major gateway markets, showcasing its competitive edge and market positioning in the industry.
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- Rating Upgrade: DiamondRock Hospitality has received an upgrade to an overweight rating, indicating a positive outlook from the market regarding its future performance, which may attract more investor interest.
- Price Target Set: Analysts have set a price target of $10.19, reflecting a bullish view on the company's stock price, which could yield significant returns for existing shareholders if achieved.
- Market Reaction: This rating upgrade is likely to boost investor confidence, potentially driving the stock price higher and enhancing the company's market position within the hospitality sector.
- Investor Attention: With the rating increase, DiamondRock may attract more institutional investors, further enhancing its market liquidity and shareholder value.
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