ASHFORD ANNOUNCES PLANNED RETIREMENT OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DERIC EUBANKS
Rhea-AI Summary
Ashford (NYSE:AHT) announced that Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Deric Eubanks will step down as CFO effective March 31, 2026 and retire in June after a 23-year tenure. He will continue assisting through June 30, 2026 and remain available as an advisor.
Justin Coe, current Chief Accounting Officer, will assume the role of Principal Financial Officer for the company and its advised REITs, while Eubanks supports the sale process for Braemar and Ashford Trust asset dispositions during the transition.
Positive
- Planned CFO transition effective March 31, 2026 with overlap through June 30, 2026
- Internal succession: Justin Coe promoted to Principal Financial Officer for the company and advised REITs
- CFO brings 23 years of institutional continuity across Ashford and predecessor entities
Negative
- Departure of long-serving CFO Deric Eubanks effective March 31, 2026 represents a material executive change
News Market Reaction – AHT
In the Mar 6 session, AHT gained 1.89%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 02 | Board member death | Negative | +1.0% | Announcement of board member Sonny Sra’s passing and condolences. |
| Feb 24 | Asset sale deals | Positive | +3.5% | Definitive hotel sale agreements and closings to cut leverage and capex. |
| Jan 27 | Tax reporting info | Neutral | -0.3% | Details on 2025 preferred share distributions and 1099-DIV reporting. |
| Jan 13 | Loan extension & prefs | Negative | -8.1% | High‑leverage loan extension and suspension of preferred dividends. |
| Jan 07 | Earnings call schedule | Neutral | +3.2% | Setting dates for Q4 2025 earnings release and conference call. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
News tied to balance sheet actions and asset sales has recently aligned with stock moves, while isolated governance events have shown at least one divergence.
This announcement follows a series of strategic and governance updates for Ashford Hospitality Trust. In January–February 2026, the company announced multiple hotel sales intended to reduce leverage and improve cash flow, which coincided with positive price reactions. Other developments included suspension of preferred dividends alongside a major loan extension, tax reporting details, and conference call scheduling. Governance‑related news such as a director’s retirement and passing have also featured. Today’s planned CFO retirement and succession fits into this broader backdrop of leadership and capital structure transitions.
Key Terms
reits financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Monty Bennett, Ashford's Chairman, commented, "Deric has been with us since 2003 when we launched Ashford Hospitality Trust. He has played an integral role in our companies over the years and has served as Chief Financial Officer for the past 12 years. What speaks to Deric's character is that even as he prepares for this next chapter, he has been unwavering in his commitment to seeing the strategic processes for both Braemar and Ashford Trust through to completion. That dedication is a reflection of everything he has brought to this organization over the past two decades. I am deeply grateful for his contributions and know he leaves this Company in an exceptionally strong position."
"It has been a remarkable 23-year career, and I could not be more proud of what this team has built," said Mr. Eubanks. "As I look toward retirement, I want to be clear that my focus remains squarely on the work in front of us. I am committed to supporting the sale process for Braemar and the ongoing asset dispositions at Ashford Trust, and I will not consider my work here done until those processes are well in hand. I have tremendous confidence in the leadership team that will carry this organization forward. Justin and the broader team are exceptionally capable, and I leave knowing the Company is in very good hands. The foundation is strong, the strategy is sound, and the people executing it are among the best in the business."
After Mr. Eubanks steps down as Chief Financial Officer, Justin Coe, the Company's current Chief Accounting Officer, will assume the role of Principal Financial Officer of the Company and its advised REITs.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ashford-announces-planned-retirement-of-chief-financial-officer-deric-eubanks-302706808.html
SOURCE Ashford Inc.