Posts in category: Leadership Moves

Sue Kanoho is stepping down after nearly three decades leading the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau, marking the end of a long and influential chapter in Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry.

Dave Erdman, founder and longtime CEO of PacRim Marketing Group, is back from a brief retirement and will serve as interim president and CEO of the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi starting January 7.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Managing Director Debi Bishop is retiring, opening one of Hawaiʻi’s biggest hospitality leadership roles as Hilton searches for a successor with large-scale resort experience.

Kainoa Daines has stepped into a new role as Director of ESG & Culture at Kyo-ya and Marriott after 14 years with HVCB, leading sustainability, community impact, and cultural stewardship across six landmark hotel properties.

Springboard Hospitality has named Eve Tronson as its new VP of Marketing, stepping into the role after Jason Pirock’s move to Outrigger. She’ll oversee brand, digital, CRM, and field marketing across a 50-property portfolio, including 12 in Hawaiʻi.

Konrad Gstrein returns to Four Seasons Resort Maui as regional VP and GM, rejoining the property where he began in 2001, minus the White Lotus–level drama, but with plenty of real-world RevPAR to drive.

PM Hotel Group is expanding in Hawaiʻi, appointing Rodahl Leong-Lyons as Area DOSM and growing its portfolio with Queen Kapiʻolani, HIE Waikīkī, Hyatt Place, and new Oʻahu projects on the way.

Outrigger has hired former Springboard marketing lead Jason Pirock as its new VP of Global Brand Marketing, with Pirock joining on September 1 to help elevate the brand and make the move to Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague retires; Diana Birkett Rakow steps up from Alaska Airlines’ public affairs team, a PR-savvy move amid the merger.

Mark Weatherill joins Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa as GM, succeeding Jerry Gibson. A longtime Marriott leader, he brings Houston experience to Hawaiʻi.