Marriott Introduces New Hawai‘i Leadership Team

Marriott International announced its new leadership team for the Hawai‘i and French Polynesia area earlier this week.

The announcement came as the integration between Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts continues to progress following the merger of the two companies to create the world’s largest hotel company.

Area General Manager Chris Tatum. Marriott International Photo.

Area Director of Sales David Richard. Marriott International Photo.

Area Director of Engineering Eric Au. Marriott International Photo.

Area Vice President Harris Chan. Marriott International Photo.

Area Director of Finance. Marriott International Photo.

Area General Manager Kelly Sanders. Marriott International Photo.

Area of Director of Human Resources Kristen Palagano. Marriott International Photo.

Area Director of Operations Lauren Geller. Marriott International Photo.

Area Director of Revenue Management Riko Matsuoka. Marriott International Photo.

The team of experienced hospitality industry leaders will help drive the company’s performance to new heights in its 27 resorts throughout Hawai‘i and French Polynesia.

Harris Chan will now be the vice president and focus on developing a market-leading portfolio, as well as ensuring the resorts meet customer needs, care for their associates and build owner relations. Chan has served as Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ vice president of operations for Hawai‘i and French Polynesia since August 2013. Prior to that, he served for six years as vice president of operations for Starwood in Greater China, which includes China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Chris Tatum is now area general manager and will continue to lead the Marriott Resort Waikīkī Beach as its general manager. He will also have oversight of three Marriott Resorts on the neighbor islands (Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott Maui, Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa), as well as the Residence Inn Maui-Wailea and the Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport. Previously, Tatum served as vice president for Marriott International, responsible for Marriott’s portfolio of hotels in Hawai‘i.

Kelly Sanders is now area general manager and will continue to serve as general manager of the Sheraton Waikīkī, while he continues to support the Hawaii Kyo-ya-owned resorts on O‘ahu and Maui, including Sheraton Waikīkī; Sheraton Princess Kaiulani; Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa; The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort; and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Sanders previously served as area managing director for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Waikīkī.

David Richard will lead sales and marketing efforts as area director of sales for the combined Marriott and Starwood resort portfolio. Richard, a 28-year veteran with Starwood, has served as regional director of sales and marketing for Starwood’s 14 hotels and resorts in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia since July 2015. Prior to that, he was area director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels in Arizona.

Riko Matsuoka is the area director of revenue management. Matsuoka, whose previous title was regional director of revenue management for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia, has a keen understanding of market trends, historical analysis and booking channels. She recently celebrated her 37th year with Starwood.

James Guindon will provide strategic financial leadership as the area director of finance. Previously Guindon was regional director of finance for Starwood in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia, where his responsibilities included oversight of the managed hotel portfolio. Prior to that, he was area controller for multiple Starwood vacation ownership resorts in Hawai‘i.

Kristen Palagano is area director of human resources. She has served as regional director of human resources for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia since November 2013. Prior to that, she was director of human resources for The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, and complex director of human resources for The Sheraton Dallas and Westin City Center in Dallas, Texas.

Lauren Geller is area director of operations. Geller most recently served as area director of operations for Marriott International’s Eastern region and mid-Atlantic area where she oversaw 28 properties. A Marriott employee since 1987, she has extensive operational experience in suburban, convention, airport and resort properties.

Eric Au is area director of engineering and facilities and will also continue his role as director of engineering for five Kyo-ya-owned hotels in Hawai‘i, including Sheraton Waikīkī; Sheraton Princess Kaiulani; Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa; The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort; and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Au has served as area director of engineering and sustainability for Starwood’s Hawai‘i properties since June 2011. Prior to joining Starwood, Au worked at Chevron Hawai‘i as project/reliability manager.