BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has appointed Jon Conching director of sales and marketing for Turtle Bay Resort. The Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property is located on Oahu's legendary North Shore. Jerry Gibson, Benchmark's vice president and managing director for the resort, made the announcement.
Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Waikiki, is excited to unveil its major property renovation, with design by BHDM Design. The redesign features a colorful update to the 135-room hotel, including a 26-foot high white "jungle wall" art piece in the lobby, custom furnishings, and an updated rooftop pool deck with commissioned mural artwork, along with new hotel programming for guests and locals.
Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, in partnership with Mauna Kea Resorts LLC today announced the debut of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort following an extensive multi-million dollar renovation that will reimagine its guestrooms and suites; introduce four new culinary concepts; and transform the resort's public spaces with an all-new adults-only pool and enhancements to the existing family pool area.
Montage Kapalua Bay has announced the appointment of Roger Bright as director of sales and marketing. A Hawaii-born, hospitality veteran, Bright will oversee the resort's sales and marketing team with responsibilities including prospecting new domestic and international business, building and maintaining relationships with travel professionals across the industry, and keeping Montage Kapalua Bay top-of-mind in the industry and amongst consumers.
Sheraton Kauai Resort, Po'ipū Beach's oceanfront playground, proudly announces the promotion of Gabe Balenzuela from sous chef to executive chef. Balenzuela will oversee all culinary operations for the 20-acre oceanfront resort, including the signature RumFire Poipu Beach restaurant, Lava's on Poipu Beach, the 'Auli'i Lū'au, the Link@Sheraton Café and the resort's banquet and catering offerings.
Halekulani, Oahu's acclaimed luxury hotel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Waller as the property's new Executive Assistant Manager. In his role, Mr. Waller is responsible for overseeing the Rooms Division, as well as the Front Office, Housekeeping/Laundry, Engineering, Flower Shop, and Print Shop departments.
As the new manager, Mr. Mallini is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations at Lewers Lounge and Orchids, an award-winning restaurant and one of Oahu's top culinary destinations. Mr. Mallini is a former chef and will add a new level to Orchids' Mediterranean concept, casual elegance and sophisticated flavors, as well as the contemporary and classic libations and delectable fare offered at Lewers Lounge. Mr. Mallini has extensive experience managing food and beverage operations, most recently opening Baku, a restaurant at the newly renovated International Marketplace in Waikiki. He has also held positions at Sixteen at Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, as well as Hawaii's Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa.
In her new role, Ms. DeRosier is responsible for website development and social media, as well as building and maintaining relationships with all traditional and digital marketing partners. Ms. DeRosier will also work closely with the hotel's public relations team to improve overall brand reach and awareness. Prior to Halekulani, Ms. DeRosier served as Event and Marketing Communications Manager at The Modern Honolulu and worked in Special Events for Walt Disney Studios.
As Executive Chef, he will oversee all the restaurant’s operations; Nobu Lanai features a sushi bar and Teppan tables as well as seating overlooking the beautiful Hulopo'e Bay.
Sheraton Kauai Resort proudly announces the promotion of Michael Young to director of food & beverage at the 20-acre oceanfront resort in the heart of Po'ipū Beach. In his new position, Young's primary focus will be to oversee all food and beverage operations at the resort, including its signature restaurant, RumFire Poipu Beach, Lava's on Poipu Beach, the oceanfront 'Auli'i Lū'au, Link@Sheraton Café and the resort's banquet and catering offerings.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa announces the appointment of Lisa Matsuda as the resort's new Director of Marketing Communications. With more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience, including 15 years in the hospitality industry, Matsuda possesses a strong track record of results-driven marketing initiatives. After years in both corporate and start-up environments, she has extensive knowledge of digital marketing tactics, social media activations, public relations strategies, and traditional advertising. Prior to her appointment at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, Matsuda served as Senior Manager of Marketing and eCommerce at Marriott International. A native of California, Matsuda has lived on Oahu for over 18 years. In her free time, Matsuda enjoys reading, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Varca rounds out the team, managing the US central and Southeast regions as Senior Travel Industry Sales Manager. She joined the Four Seasons family following her completion of the Purdue University hospitality program and has held roles with the Chicago Worldwide Sales Office, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii (selling all four resorts).
Bell is responsible for the West Coast Territory. He joins us from his most recent position as Leisure Sales Manager for The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, CA and held prior positions with resorts in the Montage International portfolio. Bell entered the hospitality world after obtaining a Diploma in Hospitality and Restaurant Management from Le Cordon Bleu Pasadena.
As Senior Travel Industry Sales Manager, Daley will oversee the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Territory. An eight-year veteran of Four Seasons, Daley will transition from her current role in the New York Worldwide Sales Office to join the Lanai Travel Industry Team. Prior to Four Seasons, she worked at Rosewood as a sales manager for their Caribbean portfolio. A graduate of Bishop's University and a native of Montreal, Quebec, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa announces the appointment of Alvin Wong as the new Director of Sales and Marketing for the resort. A seasoned hospitality veteran, Wong possesses an extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry and the unique qualities of the islands of Hawaii, having previously worked at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Sheraton Kauai Resort, Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel and the Hawaii Prince Waikiki Hotel. Prior to his appointment at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, Wong served as Director of Sales and Marketing at Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott-Maui since January 2015.
Michael Pye has been hired as Hawaii general manager for Fairmont Hotels and as general manager of the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, according to Wayne Buckingham, senior vice president of Accor Hotels.
Most recently, Kuriyama served as deputy general manager of the 1,636-room Sheraton Waikiki.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality has announced the appointment of Alexander Dale to the role of executive chef at Aqua Kauai Beach Resort, a pristine 25-acre resort on Kauai's longest eastern coast beach.
One might wonder what would move veteran hotelier Charlie Parker from the iconic Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square to the Hawaiian Islands at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, but a close look at his CV reveals a connection to the ocean that crosses continents, and an affinity for surfing, scuba diving, ocean navigation and working closely with local cultures.
Hospitality industry veteran Michael Czarcinski has been named general manager of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, as announced by Area Vice President Harris Chan, Marriott International - Hawaii & French Polynesia. Most recently, Czarcinski served as general manager of the 1,350-room Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, Calif.