Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Hawaii recently named Cheryl Williams as the new general manager for The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort effective February 2.
Williams is a recognized leader in Hawaii’s visitor industry and business community with more than 30 years of experience. In her previous position as regional director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Hawaii and French Polynesia, she was responsible for driving the top-line revenue for 14 hotels in the region. Williams also led efforts to rebrand and reposition The Royal Hawaiian; The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa; and the St. Regis Princeville.
“As the owner of The Royal Hawaiian, Kyo-ya is confident in Cheryl’s leadership ability and commitment to our employees and the Hawaii community,” said Victor Kimura, senior vice president of Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, in a written release. “With Cheryl’s experience, we are confident that she will be an outstanding steward of The Royal Hawaiian and preserve its legacy while elevating the property’s performance for future success."
Since 1990, Williams has served in numerous executive positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts throughout Hawaii, the French Polynesia and North America. Including director of sales & marketing for both the Sheraton Waikiki and The Royal Hawaiian, leading the division in leisure sales and distribution for Starwood in Stamford, Connecticut and most recently as the regional director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hawaii and French Polynesia.
As one of Hawaii’s largest employers, with more than 4,500 hotel associates in its workforce, Kyo-ya has a long history in Hawaii dating back to 1961. The company is the steward of six hotel and resort properties in Hawaii and California, including properties such as Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa; The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort and The Palace Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel in San Francisco; as well as the Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.
Visit www.starwoodhawaii.com.