Spence Wilson | $1B+

Billionaire

Feb 9

Get in touch with Spence Wilson | Spence Wilson, Chairman Emeritus of Kemmons Wilson Companies, has spent decades diversifying the legacy established by his father, Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson. Under his stewardship, the Memphis-based firm evolved into an investment empire spanning hospitality, aviation, insurance, and real estate. Wilson was instrumental in the growth of Orange Lake Resorts and remains a critical figure in the vacation ownership industry. His commitment to Memphis is reflected in his long-standing leadership at Rhodes College and Baptist Memorial Health Care. His family’s philanthropy recently established the Spence Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities, cementing his impact on both the regional economy and the academic landscape.

Spence Wilson, Chairman Emeritus of Kemmons Wilson Companies, has spent decades diversifying the legacy established by his father, Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson. Under his stewardship, the Memphis-based firm evolved into an investment empire spanning hospitality, aviation, insurance, and real estate. Wilson was instrumental in the growth of Orange Lake Resorts and remains a critical figure in the vacation ownership industry. His commitment to Memphis is reflected in his long-standing leadership at Rhodes College and Baptist Memorial Health Care. His family’s philanthropy recently established the Spence Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities, cementing his impact on both the regional economy and the academic landscape.

Kemmons Wilson Companies (KWC) is a third-generation single-family office and investment firm founded in 1948 by Kemmons Wilson, the legendary founder of Holiday Inn. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the firm manages a diverse portfolio of over 400 ventures across several key industries.
Core Operations & Sectors
The company focuses on long-term capital appreciation and has a major presence in:

Hospitality: KWC remains a heavy hitter in hotel development and operations, managing brands through KWC Management and investment funds like Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners (KWHP).
Real Estate: They develop and invest in commercial and residential properties, including the Crosstown Concourse urban village in Memphis and Windham Mountain.
Financial Services & Insurance: They offer wealth management and insurance services through various subsidiaries.
Time Sharing: The family continues to oversee the Holiday Inn Club Vacations network, originating from Wilson's Orange Lake Resort.
Aviation: One of their six core industry concentrations.

Investment Philosophy
Managed today by Kemmons’ descendants—including Spence Wilson (Chairman), Webb Wilson (CEO), and McLean Wilson—the firm prioritizes "people-first" relationships and "stewardship over haste". They have led over $1 billion in transactions in recent years, backing consumer-facing brands like Wiseacre Brewing, Central BBQ, and Billy Reid.

Disclaimer: This profile is based on publicly available information. No endorsement or affiliation is implied.

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ManBillionaireUSAPhilanthropySpence Wilson1940-1950Kemmons Wilson CompaniesHotelsHotel developmentHotel managementReal Estate DevelopmentHomebuildingOrange Lake ResortsMemphisTennesseeKemmons Wilson IIIMcLean WilsonSpence Wilson, Jr.

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Spence Wilson | $1B+

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