Prince Resorts Hawaii, hotel operator of three luxury properties in Hawaii, has announced that Donn J. Takahashi has elected to retire as president of the company on March 31.
Kisan Jo, the vice president of finance and administration at Prince Resorts Hawaii, will assume the role of president upon Takahashi’s departure. To aid in the transition, Takahashi will stay on in a senior advisory role through March 2019.
Takahashi’s retirement marks the end of a 25-year run with Prince Resorts Hawaii and a 46-year career.
“It has been an enormous privilege to lead Prince Resorts Hawaii during an important period of transformation,” said Takahashi in a written release. “We have accomplished so much – all three hotels and golf courses are in great condition, we achieve our numbers, and we continue to improve year over year. “
Takahashi took over as president of Prince Resorts Hawaii, filling the shoes of former Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi, who held the role from 1988-2004. During Takahashi’s 14-year tenure as president of Prince Resorts Hawaii, he oversaw all hotel and golf course operations, real estate and other subsidiary companies managed under Prince Resorts Hawaii, including over $250 million in hotel renovations.
Drawing from his years of experience, Takahashi improved each property’s operations by increasing RevPAR and changing the market mix to anticipate future demands.
About Kisan Jo
In his new role as president, Kisan Jo will oversee the three properties in within the Prince Resorts Hawaii collection. They include the Prince Waikiki in Oahu; the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel; and the upcoming debut of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on Hawaii Island. The collection also includes the Hawaii Prince Golf Club, Hapuna Golf Course, Mauna Kea Golf Course, Mauna Kea Resort Services and South Kohala Water Company.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I look forward leading a team that is so focused on continually reimagining and improving the visitor experience," said Jo. “Prince Resorts Hawaii is positioned for incredible opportunities ahead. My goal is to continue cementing each hotel as a leader in the industry."
Jo, who began his career at Deloitte, an international public accounting firm in Seoul, then later transferred to Deloitte’s Honolulu office, brings more than 15 years of experience in finance, strategy and hospitality to his position.
During his eight years at Prince Resorts Hawaii, Jo was responsible for the development of financial management strategies and oversaw the finance and operations teams.
He also managed hotel capital improvements and renovation projects totaling over $100 million, including Prince Waikiki’s multi-million dollar renovation and the forthcoming debut of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort’s multi-million-dollar transformation.
“I am incredibly proud to have worked with remarkable colleagues who are committed to our growth and am confident that Kisan will lead the team to further success. He has great skills and a strong financial background, which allow him to seamlessly implement strategies that continue to improve our financial operations, which will take the company to the next level.”
Visit www.princewaikiki.com, www.hapunabeachresort.com and www.maunakeabeachhotel.com
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