Ben Rowe Takes the Helm as CEO of KHP Capital Partners, Pioneering Growth and Innovation

Ben Rowe Takes Leadership at KHP Capital Partners

On October 1, 2025, KHP Capital Partners, a prominent player in the real estate private equity sector specializing in lifestyle hotels, proudly announced that Co-Founder and Managing Partner Ben Rowe has officially stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer. This transition, part of a well-structured succession plan, sets the stage for KHP's future leadership and strategic direction.

Ben Rowe co-founded KHP alongside Mike Depatie and Joe Long in 2015, after their fruitful stint at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. Under their guidance, KHP has amassed a staggering $1 billion in equity under management, showcasing a robust portfolio of 20 lifestyle hotel investments. This impressive growth underscores the partners' commitment and expertise within the dynamic hospitality sector.

Rowe's relationship with Depatie and Long dates back to 2003 when they first collaborated at Kimpton. Ben served as the company's CFO from 2008 to 2015, during which he played an instrumental role in establishing Kimpton as a leader in the lifestyle hotel market. His financial acumen and strategic vision were key in building a fund management platform that successfully raised and invested funds, paving the way for KHP’s independence following Kimpton's acquisition by InterContinental Hotels Group.

Joe Long expressed his confidence in Rowe, stating, "Ben is undoubtedly one of the most intelligent, hard-working, and ethical individuals I've had the pleasure of working with over the past 40 years. His combination of visionary insight and competitive spirit, paired with a meticulous attention to detail and a focus on fostering culture, establishes him as a formidable leader. Mike and I are fortunate to continue collaborating with Ben as he guides KHP into this new chapter."

Rowe's ascension to CEO is part of a considered approach to partner transitions, ensuring that the wealth of experience and knowledge embodied by the company's founders continues to inform its evolution. A critical element of this transition is the recent appointment of Jeff Stulmaker as Chief Investment Officer in January 2022, a move that fortifies the leadership team and ensures operational continuity.

Long reiterated Rowe's seamless transition, saying, "I have full confidence that KHP will reach unprecedented heights under Ben's stewardship. We have worked together extensively in the past two decades, and I firmly believe there is no one better suited to lead us forward."

Throughout his tenure, Rowe has played pivotal roles across various domains, including capital formation, investments, development, and asset management. His leadership at Kimpton and KHP has seen him secure over $4 billion in debt financing while raising more than $1 billion in equity—significant achievements in the competitive landscape of hospitality investment.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the future, Rowe shared, "I am eager to build upon the foundation of trust and performance that KHP has cultivated over the last decade. Our outstanding team, coupled with our strong institutional partners, positions us perfectly to navigate the current favorable investment climate and extend our footprint in the coming years."

About KHP Capital Partners

KHP Capital Partners is an influential real estate private equity firm known for its focus on lifestyle hotel investments. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, KHP engages in strategic investments across the United States, enhancing investor returns through disciplined acquisition practices and value-added strategies supported by comprehensive knowledge in hotel operations and development. Currently, KHP is investing through KHP Fund VI, a $300 million discretionary equity fund. To date, the firm has successfully managed five previous funds, addressing over $1.4 billion of equity dedicated to acquiring and developing 45 hotels over the past 21 years. Recently, KHP has undertaken exciting projects, including the Johnston Building in Charlotte, NC, slated to open as a 240-room lifestyle hotel in late 2026, and the acquisition of the Hotel Viking in Newport, RI, which is undergoing substantial renovations this winter.

For further insights and updates, visit KHP Capital Partners.