James Dondero

Profile Verified by The Marque

Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026

Founder & Principal

Dallas, US

Profile Verified by The Marque

Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026

In Their Own Right

Biography

James Dondero is founder and principal of the leading alternative investment platform, NexPoint, James is a highly accomplished businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist with over 30 years of experience investing in credit and equity markets, real estate, private equity and more.

NexPoint’s alternative investment platform provides a range of alternative investment solutions designed to meet the changing needs of investors. These offerings draw on broad investment capabilities spanning asset classes and strategies, including REITs, interval funds, credit and equity and a business development company.

James has built numerous businesses operating within the NexPoint network, including NexPoint Real Estate Finance, for which he serves as President & Chairman, and NexPoint Hospitality Trust, where he serves as CEO. He is also the President & Chairman of NexPoint Residential Trust, which focuses on the acquisition, asset management and disposition of multifamily assets. In addition, James is the Chairman & Majority Owner of NexBank Capital Inc., a financial services company that delivers institutional, commercial and mortgage banking services.

As a dedicated philanthropist, James works with numerous organizations committed to making advancements in education and improving the local community. He serves on the Executive Board of the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business, where he founded the NexPoint Tower Scholars Program, and the Executive Advisory Council of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. He is also a strong supporter of local organizations, including the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, the Dallas Zoo, Education is Freedom and more.

James earned a B.S. with a dual major in accounting and finance from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce. He graduated with the highest honors of Beta Gamma Sigma and Beta Alpha Psi.

The Record

Background

2012 — Present
Founder & Principal

NexPoint

NexPoint is an alternative investment platform comprised of a group of investment advisers and sponsors, a broker-dealer and a suite of related investment vehicles. The platform provides differentiated access to alternative investments through a range of offerings, including public and private real estate investment trusts, tax advantaged real estate vehicles and a business development company.
Present
President & Chairman

NexPoint Real Estate Finance

NexPoint Real Estate Finance is primarily focused on investments in real estate sectors including multifamily, single-family rental, self-storage, life science, hospitality and office sectors. NREF is externally managed by NexPoint Real Estate Advisors VII, L.P., a subsidiary of NexPoint Advisors, L.P.
Present
Chief Executive Officer

NexPoint Hospitality Trust

NexPoint Hospitality Trust is a publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust, focused on acquiring and maintaining, mostly select service and extended stay, hospitality assets in the U.S.
Present
Director

VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc.

VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc. is an externally advised real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, developing, renovating, leasing and operating single-family rental properties primarily located in the midwestern and southern U.S. markets.
Present
President & Chairman

NexPoint Residential Trust

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. is an externally advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the acquisition, asset management, and disposition of multifamily assets, located primarily in the Sun Belt region of the United States.
Present
President and Chairman of the Board

NexPoint Diversified Trust (NXDT)

NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust (NYSE: NXDT) is a publicly traded, externally advised diversified real estate investment trust (REIT). It acquires, develops, and manages opportunistic, value-adding real estate properties and debt investments across the United States, aiming to generate current income and capital appreciation for its shareholders.
1993 — 2020
Co-Founder

Highland Capital Management, L.P.

Highland Capital Management is an alternative investment management firm that manages hedge funds, structured investment vehicles and mutual funds. The firm invests in global public equities, as well as fixed income markets with a focus on leveraged loans, high yield bonds, and structured products.

In The News

Newsfeed

19 June 2026 · Dallas Business Journal
NexPoint expands into energy, taps veteran to lead push
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22 October 2025 · Dallas Business Journal
NexPoint founder James Dondero bullish on North Texas
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8 January 2024 · D Magazine
James Dondero Named as One of Dallas 500 Most Influential Business Leaders
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13 December 2023 · PR Newswire
NexPoint Is Named a 2023 Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments
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18 July 2023 · The Real Deal
NexPoint to add hotel, resi to former EDS HQ
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7 February 2023 · Dallas Innovates
First Look: NexPoint Unveils Plans for Massive TxS Life Sciences District in Plano
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19 May 2022 · Bloomberg
Donderoâ€™s NexPoint Targets More Than $1 Billion for New Wager on Single-Family Rentals
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