Business Leaders On The Move In Hawaii

June 23, 2010
By Alana Folen

Luana Kekaula-Castillo has been named sales manager of Aqua Hotels & Resorts Maile Sky Court. With more than 25 years of hospitality experience, Kekaula-Castillo handles all aspects of sales generated from all market segments for Maile Sky Court referred from Aqua’s home office as well as through her own partnership and development efforts. She also handles group requests for the hotel and assists revenue and reservations with rates, availability, contracts and projects.

Susan Koehler has been appointed director of sales and marketing for Embassy Suites - Waikiki Beach Walk. In this position, she is tasked with spearheading all sales and marketing efforts for Embassy Suites’ flagship leisure resort. Koehler has extensive experience with business development, sales-team training and management, plus familiarity with marketing beachfront resort properties.

James Palank has been named director of sales and marketing for The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Palank will be responsible for overseeing the sales and marketing efforts for North America, Asia/Pacific and Europe. He most recently served as the regional director of leisure sales at the Trump Hotel Waikiki.

Jayson Fujimoto has been promoted from assistant distribution manager to distribution manager for Meadow Gold Dairies Hawaii. Fujimoto is now responsible for establishing, implementing and maintaining a cost-effective distribution system that will achieve customer satisfaction and ensure product integrity while meeting budget targets.

Bill Hozey has been appointed associate director of business sales for Verizon Wireless Hawaii. He previously served as a major account manager for the company, and will now lead Verizon’s sales team focusing on business and government.

David W. Betham has been hired as director of finance for The Doubletree Alana Hotel - Waikiki. In this position, Betham’s responsibilities include establishing and auditing all financial controls, financial reporting and analysis matters for the Waikiki property, as well as overseeing all capital and annual budgets. He previously worked at Polynesian Adventure Tours for four years.