Business Leaders On The Move In Hawaii

September 08, 2010
By Alana Folen

Diane Ako has been appointed director of public relations for Halekulani Corporation, which owns and manages Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel. In this position, Ako will direct all corporate, hotel and community media relations, oversee communications for promotions and special events, as well as support marketing initiatives for Halekulani and Waikiki Parc. She previously served as a television anchor and reporter for KHNL-TV and its sister station KFVE-TV.

Richard Slawinski has been named real estate agent for Prudential Locations. He joins the company from Mary Worrall Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. Slawinski’s experience is grounded in the luxury single-family homes and condominium markets as well as investment properties.

Colton Ching has been promoted from manager of Hawaiian Electric Company’s Corporate Planning Department to vice president of System Operation and Planning. In this new position, Ching will oversee corporate strategic planning plus daily operation of the electric grid to ensure continued reliable service. He has been with the company for 19 years.

Robbie Dingeman has been named as associate for Ulupono Initiative, a social investment firm dedicated to improving the quality of life for Hawaii’s residents through sustainability. As an associate, Dingeman’s work will include writing, research and project development. She has been a writer, news reporter and researcher in the Islands for more than 20 years, and most recently served as a staff writer for The Honolulu Advertiser.

Greg Toth has been hired as vice president of marketing for The Gas Company. Toth is responsible for the company’s marketing and branding as renewable energy solutions are introduced to move Hawaii away from petroleum-based energy sources. He brings knowledge and experience in advertising and marketing within the energy sector, and most recently served as director of consumer products and energy efficiency at FirstEnergy Corp.

Paul Chun has been named chief financial officer of St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii. Chun has extensive financial executive experience in Hawaii and had been serving St. Francis Healthcare System as interim controller in his role as a consultant in the Honolulu office of Resources Global Professionals.