BRUCE L. THOMPSON

One of Hampton Roads’ most prominent developers and hoteliers, Norfolk native Bruce Thompson is best known for developing the $435 million Cavalier Resort, which includes the restored historic Cavalier Hotel as well as two new hotels, restaurants and residences on 21 acres at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Thompson opened his first hotel in the early 1980s. His hotel empire grew under the name Professional Hospitality Resources (PHR). He founded Gold Key as a timeshare company, along with marketing and finance companies to assist with timeshare sales. After selling some companies, Thompson consolidated his remaining businesses in 1999 to form the privately owned Gold Key | PHR, which has annual revenues exceeding $140 million and employs more than 2,400 people.

Virginia Business’ 2021 Business Person of the Year, Thompson has had a long and colorful career, working as a concert promoter and ski trip organizer before entering the hospitality industry. He also has raised money for ALS research in honor of his son, Josh, who died from the disease. A former King Neptune for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Thompson received Volunteer Hampton Roads’ Lenora Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

He is a member of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors and has served on numerous local committees, including Virginia Beach’s inaugural Resort Area Advisory Commission. Thompson served as state finance chair for friend Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 2021 campaign. He also served on former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Economic Development and Job Creation Commission. Within the industry, Thompson sits on the American Resort Development Association’s board.