Ashford Inc. Appoints Jim Plohg as EVP, General Counsel, and Secretary
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 18 2025
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Source: Newsfilter
- Executive Appointment: Ashford Inc. appointed Jim Plohg as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary effective December 16, 2025, reflecting the company's strategic emphasis on legal compliance and regulatory affairs, which is expected to enhance governance efficiency.
- Experienced Leader: Having served as Division General Counsel since 2014, Plohg brings over 25 years of legal and investment experience, providing robust legal support for the company's commercial real estate investments and developments, thereby ensuring compliance in a competitive market.
- Expanded Leadership Role: CEO Monty Bennett noted that Plohg's legal and hospitality expertise will be invaluable in supporting the company's growth in scale and performance, underscoring the importance of legal affairs within the organization.
- Strategic Growth: Plohg's appointment comes at a pivotal time as Ashford Inc. and its subsidiaries expand in global asset and investment management, which is anticipated to drive continued growth in the real estate and hospitality sectors.
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About AHT
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company's portfolio consists of upscale hotels and upper upscale full-service hotels. The Company owns its lodging investments and conducts its business through Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (Ashford Trust OP). Its hotel properties are primarily branded under the brands of Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Intercontinental Hotel Group. The Company operates through one segment: direct hotel investments. It has a portfolio consisting of approximately 68 consolidated operating hotel properties, which represent over 16,736 total rooms. It owns a 15.1 % ownership in OpenKey, Inc. It owns four consolidated operating hotel properties, which represent 405 total rooms owned through a 99.0% ownership interest in Stirling REIT OP, LP (Stirling OP). The Company also has an investment in an entity that owns the Meritage Resort and Spa and the Grand Reserve at the Meritage (the Meritage Investment) in Napa, California.
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.
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- Dividend Suspension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced the suspension of dividends for its preferred stock series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M to preserve liquidity, a move that may negatively impact investor income expectations.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the dividend suspension announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share on January 13, 2026, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
- Legal Context: Pomerantz LLP, a leading firm in securities class action litigation, has been fighting for the rights of victims of securities fraud for over 85 years, and adverse findings from the investigation could expose Ashford to substantial liability for damages.
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- Tax Reporting Preparation: The company will issue Form 1099-DIV in compliance with IRS regulations, ensuring shareholders can accurately report the tax implications of the 2025 dividends, reflecting the company's commitment to compliance.
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- Investor Consultation Advice: The company encourages shareholders to consult tax advisors regarding the federal and local tax implications of the dividends, demonstrating the company's focus on shareholder interests and support.
See More
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- Loan Extension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced it has extended its Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels, aiming to evaluate strategic alternatives and preserve liquidity, indicating financial pressure on the company.
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- Stock Price Decline: Following the dividend suspension announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share on January 13, 2026, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
See More
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See More
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- Replay Availability: A replay of the conference call will be accessible until March 5, 2026, ensuring that investors who cannot attend can still access key information, thereby improving information accessibility.
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See More
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- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of Ashford Hospitality Trust investors, focusing on whether the company and its executives engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful practices, which could significantly undermine investor confidence.
- Dividend Suspension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced the suspension of dividends for its preferred stock series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M to preserve liquidity, a move that may negatively impact investor income expectations.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the dividend suspension announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share on January 13, 2026, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
- Legal Context: Pomerantz LLP, a leading firm in securities class action litigation, has been fighting for the rights of victims of securities fraud for over 85 years, and adverse findings from the investigation could expose Ashford to substantial liability for damages.
See More
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- Dividend Amount Disclosure: Ashford Hospitality Trust announced its preferred share dividends for 2025, with Series D at $2.1124 per share and Series F and G at $1.8436 each, indicating the company's ongoing efforts to maintain stable cash flow.
- Tax Reporting Preparation: The company will issue Form 1099-DIV in compliance with IRS regulations, ensuring shareholders can accurately report the tax implications of the 2025 dividends, reflecting the company's commitment to compliance.
- Unpaid Dividend Statement: Dividends declared for shareholders of record as of December 31, 2025, remain unpaid, with expectations for prompt payment, which may impact shareholders' cash flow and investment decisions.
- Investor Consultation Advice: The company encourages shareholders to consult tax advisors regarding the federal and local tax implications of the dividends, demonstrating the company's focus on shareholder interests and support.
See More
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- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether Ashford Hospitality Trust and its executives have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, which could undermine investor confidence and lead to stock price volatility.
- Loan Extension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced it has extended its Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels, aiming to evaluate strategic alternatives and preserve liquidity, indicating financial pressure on the company.
- Dividend Suspension: To maintain liquidity, the company has suspended preferred dividends, including those for Series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M preferred stock as of December 31, 2025, which may displease investors and affect future financing capabilities.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the dividend suspension announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share on January 13, 2026, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
See More
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IPO Market Activity: A company with a ".com" in its name is preparing to go public, indicating a resurgence in the IPO market reminiscent of the late 1990s.
Market Sentiment: This move reflects the current enthusiasm and optimism surrounding initial public offerings in the financial market.
See More
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- Loan Extension: Ashford Hospitality Trust has extended its Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels, reducing the loan balance by $10 million to $723.6 million, which is approximately 65% of appraised value, thereby enhancing the company's financial flexibility.
- Suspension of Preferred Dividends: To preserve liquidity, Ashford has suspended all preferred dividends, including those for Series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M, although the company intends to pay previously declared but unpaid dividends as soon as practicable, potentially impacting investor confidence.
- Strategic Evaluation: The decision to suspend dividends indicates potential liquidity pressures as the company evaluates strategic alternatives, with future financial decisions to be based on quarterly assessments, which may affect its long-term investment appeal.
- Market Positioning: As a REIT focused on upper upscale, full-service hotels, Ashford's loan extension and liquidity management strategies will directly influence its competitive position and operational capabilities in the fiercely competitive hotel market.
See More
Ashford Trust Schedules Q4 2025 Earnings Release for February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Ashford Trust plans to release its Q4 2025 earnings after market close on February 25, 2026, highlighting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call on February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET, providing an opportunity for investors to interact with management and enhance market confidence.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the conference call will be accessible until March 5, 2026, ensuring that investors who cannot attend can still access key information, thereby improving information accessibility.
- Online Broadcast: The live broadcast will be available on the company's website, further expanding communication channels and demonstrating the company's adaptability to modern communication methods.
See More
