Robert Rowling
Robert B. Rowling | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1953 Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of TRT Holdings, owner of Omni Hotels |
| Spouse | Terry Hennersdorf Rowling |
| Children | 2 |
Robert B. Rowling (born 1953) is an American billionaire entrepreneur and the founder of TRT Holdings, which owns Omni Hotels.
Early life
Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Rowling earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and later obtained a juris doctor degree from Southern Methodist University.
Career
Rowling launched his professional journey in 1972 at Tana Oil and Gas, a company co-owned by his father, Reese Rowling, and William E Colson. In 1989, Texaco purchased Tana for $476 million, providing the capital to establish TRT Holdings. In 1994, TRT divested Corpus Christi National Bank to NationsBank for $131 million. Subsequently, TRT acquired Omni Hotels for $500 million and purchased Gold's Gym for $180 million. In August 2010, Rowling secured ownership of the bankrupt Amelia Island Plantation Resort through a winning bid of $67.1 million. By July 2013, he expanded his portfolio by acquiring six resorts from KSL Resorts, including The Homestead 1766 located in Virginia.
Rowling held a position as a regent for the University of Texas System until February 2009, resigning amid disputes concerning bonus payments to UTIMCO investment personnel when state authorities attempted to modify compensation arrangements.
As of July 2024, his net worth is estimated at approximately $9.5 billion, placing him as the 82nd wealthiest individual in the United States.
Political activities
A staunch conservative and prominent Republican supporter, Rowling is among four billionaire financiers backing the conservative political action committee American Crossroads. After contributing $2 million to American Crossroads, four Gold's Gym locations in San Francisco disaffiliated from the brand following protests by LGBTQ+ advocates. During the same election cycle, TRT Holdings donated an additional $2.5 million from corporate funds. Rowling has emphasized that his contributions are driven by fiscal concerns rather than social issues, underscoring his commitment to "fiscal sanity."
In April 2020, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Rowling to the Strike Force to Open Texas, a task force charged with formulating plans to safely reopen the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal life
Rowling is married to Terry Hennersdorf Rowling; they have two children and live in Dallas, Texas. The couple met while both were pursuing undergraduate business degrees at the University of Texas at Austin.