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James Dondero

Founder & Principal

NexPoint

Dallas, TX, USA

James Dondero

Elizabeth Dillon

Pictet Asset Management (USA) Corp.

Vladislav Doronin

James Dondero’s 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... 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. READ MORE VIEW LESS

James Dondero’s Newsfeed

Dallas Business Journal

NexPoint expands into energy, taps veteran to lead push

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Dallas Business Journal

NexPoint founder James Dondero bullish on North Texas

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James Dondero’s Background

NexPoint

Founder & Principal

2012 - Present

Dallas, TX, USA

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.

NexPoint Diversified Trust (NXDT)

President and Chairman of the Board

Dallas, TX, USA

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.

NexPoint Real Estate Finance

President & Chairman

Dallas, TX, USA

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.

NexPoint Residential Trust

President & Chairman

Dallas, TX, USA

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.

NexPoint Hospitality Trust

Chief Executive Officer

Dallas, TX, USA

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.

VineBrook Homes Trust, Inc.

Director

Dayton, OH, USA

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.

Highland Capital Management, L.P.

Co-Founder

1993 - Oct 2020

Dallas, TX, USA

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.

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James Dondero’s Gallery

James Dondero speaking to NexPoint employee

James Dondero in the office of NexPoint

James Dondero NexPoint founder

James Dondero Founder of NexPoint

Board Positions

NexBank Capital, Inc.

Chairman | Majority Owner

2004 - Present

Dallas, TX, USA

NexBank Capital, Inc. is a financial services company which delivers institutional,
commercial, and mortgage banking services to clients nationwide.

George W. Bush Presidential Center

Executive Advisory Council

2018 - Present

Dallas, TX, USA

The Bush Center houses the George W. Bush Presidential Museum, which is managed by the National Archives and Records Administration. Additionally, it is home to the George W. Bush Institute, a nonpartisan public policy institution.

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Philanthropy

NexPoint Philanthropies

Founder

NexPoint Philanthropies supports high-impact individuals and organizations that value community, merit and innovation. It is committed to empowering those who create lasting change and aims to work, in partnership, to build solutions that make things better for future generations.

Media

Winners Revealed: D CEO’s Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards

Article

Jul 2025

Dallas, TX, USA

James was a finalist in the ‘Corporate Leadership Excellence’ category in the annual D CEO magazine program honoring outstanding nonprofit organizations (and the companies & leaders who champion their missions).

Crunchbase | James Dondero

Profile

View James's Crunchbase Profile here.

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Awards & Recognition

500 Most Influential Business Leaders

Honoree

Jan 2024

Dallas, TX, USA

James Dondero was named one of Dallas' 500 Most Influential Business Leaders for his incredible success with NexPoint and his commitment to the city and the wider community, including the proposed Texas Research Quarter project in Plano.

Charitable Interests

The NexPoint Investment Competition

The NexPoint Investment Competition is an investment challenge open to all SMU students for the chance to win cash prizes. Students research, pitch stocks, and draft memos, building critical financial literacy skills and preparing them for a career in finance.

SMU NexPoint Tower Scholars Program

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

The Tower Scholars Program is a selective, multidisciplinary minor in public policy and international affairs enabling students from a variety of academic backgrounds to combine their academic interests with experience in the real world of public policy. Students that participate in the program are known as the NexPoint Tower Scholars.

Engage at the Bush Center Series

Supporter

The Engage at the Bush Center series, presented by NexPoint, brings newsmakers, thought leaders, and authors to the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Thought-provoking, and often entertaining, panel discussions and keynote conversations allow our guests to connect with the Bush Center in a meaningful way and dive deeper into many of today’s most pressing policy areas and issues.

Fair Park First

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

Fair Park First is a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to managing, preserving, and revitalizing the 277-acre National Historic Landmark known as Fair Park. Through the oversight of capital improvements, programming, and strategic partnerships, our goal is to transform this historic gem into a year-round destination for neighboring communities and beyond.

The Dallas Foundation

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

The Dallas Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the well-being of local communities through grants, scholarships, and community initiatives.

Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep is a private, independent Catholic high school located in the Pleasant Grove area. Its formula for success is a proven, revolutionary model of college preparatory high school curriculum accessible to those of limited financial resources.

The Family Place

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

The Family Place empowers survivors of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling, and skills that create independence while building community engagement and advocating for social change to stop family violence.

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center provides a coordinated and compassionate approach to
investigating and prosecuting child abuse cases, ensuring that victims receive comprehensive support and therapeutic services. The center collaborates with law enforcement, medical professionals, and social services to create a safe and nurturing environment for children and their families.

Education is Freedom

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

Founded in 2002, Education is Freedom is a non-profit with the goal of transforming students' lives through education. Its leaders envision a world where every young person has the opportunity to pursue a college education.

Dallas Zoo

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

By providing people with real-world opportunities to make memorable connections with wildlife and supplementing their experience with conservation messaging, the zoo aims to inspire and empower visitors to take action on behalf of wildlife in Texas and around the world.

Perot Museum of Natural Science

Supporter

Dallas, TX, USA

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science offers interactive exhibits on
paleontology, geology, biology, and space. Known for its striking architecture and engaging
displays, it's a top destination for science enthusiasts and families.

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Press Releases

NexPoint Is Named One of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments

Dec 2025

NexPoint was named as one of the best places to work by P&I in their 2025 survey and recognition program.

NexPoint Is Named One of the 2022 Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments

Dec 2022

Pensions & Investments' 11th annual survey and recognition program is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the best employers in the money management industry.

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James Dondero’s Education

University of Virginia | McIntire School of Commerce

B.S. | Accounting & Finance