Hawaiian Telcom’s Yeaman to Take Leading Role at FHB

Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Telcom Eric K. Yeaman has been appointed the position of President and Chief Operating Officer and elected to the board of directors of First Hawaiian Bank. The announcement came Monday from First Hawaiian Chairman and current President and CEO Bob Harrison.

According to Harrison, First Hawaiian’s board of directors approved of Yeaman’s appointment unanimously on Monday. His new role will start on June 22.

Prior to his 2008 acquired role at Hawaiian Telcom, Yeaman held senior positions with Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawaiian Electric Industries, Kamehameha Schools, and the Arthur Andersen LLP accounting and consulting firm.

“We’re delighted to welcome Eric aboard our senior leadership team. He is a local boy who knows Hawai’i and its people. He understands the Island business community and has a proven track record in building technology solutions that make sense for customers. In addition, he has executive experience in a wide range of businesses as well as a broad financial management background that will strengthen the next generation of our team,” Harrison said. “Just as important, Eric shares our bank’s values and commitment to customers, employees, and the community.”

Yeaman was raised in Kona, where he graduated from Konawaena High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s of business administration degree in accounting from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in 1989. After graduating, he worked in consulting and auditing for Arthur Andersen LLP, before going on to serve as Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Kamehameha Schools.

In 2003, Yeaman became a member of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., where he served as a Financial Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He would later become Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hawaiian Electric Company. Yeaman joined Hawaiian Telcom in 2008.

“I have loved my very rewarding time at Hawaiian Telcom, but this offer to join Hawai’i’s largest and most successful bank is too exciting to pass up. I’m looking forward to working with the management and employees of an institution that plays such a key role in economic growth and community service in our island,” said Yeaman.

First Hawaiian Bank was founded in 1858 and is not only Hawai’i’s oldest bank, but also its largest bank with $18.7 billion in assets.