Michael Baier is named general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and Gordon “Kanani” Aken is promoted to general manager at Aulani, adding seasoned leadership at two major Hawaiʻi resorts.
Checking In
Recent executive leadership transitions across Hawaiʻi hotel organizations, including top appointments at Prince Resorts Hawaiʻi and OUTRIGGER, signal ongoing talent realignment as regional operators strengthen management across key resort portfolios.
Who’s Paddling at Outrigger?
Recent leadership departures and the appointment of John Dominguez at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort highlight corporate executive shifts, underscoring the brand’s reliance on veteran regional expertise to maintain commercial stability.
Grand Wailea: New Boss. Same For-Sale Sign?
The Grand Wailea has appointed hospitality veteran Jon Gersonde as managing director, bringing seasoned local leadership to the resort as owner Blackstone continues navigating a potential $1.6 billion sale.
Fewer and Fewer
The passing of Aston Hotels & Resorts founder André Tatibouet marks the loss of a pivotal hospitality pioneer, underscoring a broader generational shift away from local, hands-on hotel leadership toward remote institutional asset management.
One GM Two Hotels and More Moves
Recent executive appointments across major Hawaiian resorts and tourism boards highlight strategic leadership transitions aimed at driving operational growth and strengthening key regional industry relationships.
Musical Chairs: Hawaiʻi’s Executive Shuffle Continues
A wave of high-profile executive and general manager appointments across Hawaiʻi hospitality properties signals ongoing leadership reshuffling, underscoring strategic realignments and talent mobility in a highly competitive resort market.
HLTA Is Hiring. The Bigger Question Is Why.
HLTA has launched an executive search following Mufi Hannemann’s retirement and appointed Dean Nakasone as interim director, raising broader questions about the association’s strategic identity and future advocacy role in Hawaiʻi.
Waikīkī’s Biggest Resort Gets a Leadership Refresh
Hilton Hawaiian Village announced multiple executive appointments following its $83 million Rainbow Tower renovation, positioning the state’s largest resort to optimize operations and commercial strategy amid evolving market demands.
Honu Make Great Executives
Recent high-profile executive appointments at HVCB and Roberts Hawaii highlight a trend of recruiting local returnees, underscoring the value of leaders who combine outside expertise with deep cultural understanding.
